WINONA LAKE - Grace College’s Center for Literacy & Learning recently received $80,000 in state funding from Health First Kosciusko.
The Health First Indiana funds will go toward additional comprehensive reading tutoring, health sessions and physical activity equipment for second- and third-grade students from the community preparing for the IREAD exam. The extended sessions will include a physical activity component to increase student engagement during the intensive tutoring sessions, according to a news release from Grace. These sessions will be free for participants and will begin in September.
“This initiative is an investment in both the academic success and long-term well-being of students, ensuring they are literate, engaged in physical activity, and successful in school,” said Rachael Hoffert, director of the Center for Literacy & Learning. “We are grateful to Health First and our county commissioners for their support of this initiative.”
Health First Indiana is an initiative created by Senate Enrolled Act 4, legislation passed by the 2023 Indiana General Assembly that transforms public health. The legislation provides funding so counties can determine the health needs of their community and implement evidence-based programs focused on prevention. Health First Indiana provides funding for 15 public health services, including trauma and injury prevention, chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, tobacco and vaping prevention, lead case management and surveillance, and infectious disease prevention. Funds going to the Center for Literacy & Learning will encourage chronic disease prevention and student health.
“By enhancing literacy skills and promoting health and physical activity, we aim to improve both cognitive function and overall well-being, while also preventing chronic diseases,” said Megan Smith, director of programs and partnership for the center. “The center will support students to become healthier, more engaged learners.”
The current tutoring program, which offers foundational literacy support, will be expanded to include modules focused on health literacy, physical fitness activities and resources to address students’ physical needs. The center will also collaborate with local health organizations and sports teams to offer educational experiences that integrate daily physical fitness and promote the significance of physical health.
“These additions will not only help students improve their reading skills, but also understand the benefits of healthy living and build healthier habits,” said Hoffert. “Additionally, we hope to empower parents by connecting them to vital resources and information, creating a supportive community focused on both academic success and health.”
To enroll a second- or third-grade student in the program, contact the Center for Literacy & Learning at 574-394-2199.
To learn more about the county’s health metrics or the funding, visit www.healthfirstindiana.com. For more information about the Center for Literacy & Learning, visit www.grace.edu/about/the-center-for-literacy-learning/.