Superintendent: Dearborn awardees receive nearly $8 million for Summer Discovery enrichment
Summary
Superintendent announced that Dearborn Public Schools received nearly $8 million in grant funding for its Summer Discovery program, supported by a partnership with the Balmer Group and United Way; the district said the funds support academic and enrichment programming and that summer programming was well attended.
Dearborn Public Schools announced Sept. 8 that the district received a grant for nearly $8 million to support its Summer Discovery program, Superintendent Dr. Malayko said, marking a second consecutive year of large-scale funding to expand enrichment activities.
Dr. Malayko said the grant was awarded through a partnership with the Balmer Group and United Way and is intended to make the district's summer enrichment engaging and fun while supporting academic development. He described the program as "one of the largest summer programs in the state" and said the funding helps provide a mix of academics and enrichment.
The board watched a Summer Discovery video that included student testimonials about activities, field trips and academic elements; students featured in the video described enjoying art, music, field trips, gardening and hands-on activities. District staff credited the grant with enabling robust programming, and trustees congratulated the summer program's staff for outreach and engagement.
Separately at the meeting the board acknowledged multiple donations from the Dearborn Education Foundation, including $375,000 (in partnership with Ford Motor Company) for the Salina Green School Yards and smaller gifts to support materials and services at several elementary schools.
Dr. Malayko also used his report to welcome back students and staff for the new school year, thanked partners for the summer program funding and reminded the community that Sept. 11 would be observed in schools as a national day of service and remembrance.
