Learning doesn’t need to stop when the last bell rings at school. Thanks to a generous grant of $506,614 from the Kansas Department of Education through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant, Ft. Larned USD 495 will now provide children in grades K-5 with opportunities to gain knowledge and skills during non-school hours through the Be Your Best Academy (BYBA) program. This program is officially recognized as a 21st Century Community Learning Center.
21st Century Community Learning Centers offer after-school and summer learning opportunities across every state, focusing on programs that meet student and family needs and align with state education priorities. However, funding is highly competitive, with only one in three requests awarded. We are proud to have been selected, allowing us to provide youth development and academic improvement opportunities at Ft. Larned Elementary School.
About Our Program
Be Your Best Academy will serve students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade at LES. This free academic after-school program aims to eliminate financial barriers, providing essential out-of-school time learning to help students accelerate academic recovery and support their social, emotional, and mental health. These opportunities are particularly vital as students continue to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Family and community engagement is also a critical component of the Be Your Best Academy project plan, aligning with our district's strategic goals.
BYBA will focus on the following key needs:
Supplementary Reading Instruction
Supplementary Math Instruction
Collaborative Family Engagement Programming
Engaging Enrichments
Homework Assistance
Community Partnerships
We are grateful to our local community partners who supported our grant application and are committed to enriching Be Your Best Academy. Special thanks to:
Larned Area Chamber of Commerce
K-State Research and Extension - Pawnee County
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital
Pawnee County Coop Association
Prairie Arts Unlimited Club
Fusion Bank
Ft. Larned Elementary PTO
Larned Recreation Commission
State Theater of Larned
Pawnee County Childcare Coalition
Our team, including Allisa Spain, USD 495 Communication and Engagement, Catrina McGurk, Larned Elementary Principal Principal, and Jess Hampton, BYBA Site Coordinator, will continue to cultivate these partnerships to enhance the program serving our students and families. Community groups are encouraged to get involved to help strengthen and expand the program as it grows.
Eligibility and Engagement
BYBA eligibility extends to any kindergarten through fifth-grade student currently enrolled at Ft. Larned Elementary School. While all students are eligible, school administration, in collaboration with the Building Leadership Team, Title Team, and other school staff, will identify those most at risk for academic or social challenges. The site coordinator will directly contact these families to encourage and invite their child's participation. The new 21st CCLC program will complement regular school offerings, extending support and enrichment.
This funding supports not just a program but a fundamental shift towards a stronger, more educated community. Be Your Best Academy is rooted in a commitment to long-term educational success and community growth. We are not just fostering academic achievement; we are cultivating future leaders, innovators, and engaged citizens.