DRA Awards $9,100 for Transportation to DCSD Afterschool Activities

DUBUQUE, IOWA-- The Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) has awarded the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools (FDPS) $9,140 in transportation funding for local middle-school students to attend free, educational after-school activities as part of the school district’s LEAP initiative (Leadership Enrichment Afterschool Program). Trolleys will take students from Jefferson and Washington Middle schools to programs at the Mines of Spain, National Mississippi River Museum, Swiss Valley Nature Center, and Carnegie Stout Library, among other venues. Activities at these off-site locations are offered at no cost to students and families, but reliable transportation is needed.

With the application submitted by the FDPS, this grant award comes at a critical time, as federal Title I funding for LEAP will decrease during the 2015-2016 school year.  Without the award from the DRA, transportation to off-site activities would not be affordable.

LEAP's mission is to engage students in broadening their general educational experiences by trying new activities, discovering their strengths and talents, reinforcing productive behavior, and building self-confidence. The benefits of the program include increases in daily student attendance, improved classroom behavior, and enhanced academic performance.

FDPS is a local organization that seeks financial support for public school programs and projects that are not sufficiently funded by tax dollars.

For more information, contact Jennifer Klinkhammer, FDPS executive director, at Jennifer@dbqfoundation.org or 563.588.2700 or visit www.dbqfoundation.org/FDPS.

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The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools (FDPS) promotes the importance of public education by increasing community investment for the enhancement of student achievement in the Dubuque Public Schools. FDPS board members and staff fulfill this mission by securing financial gifts and grants for school programs and projects that are not currently supported by public tax dollars. Learn more at www.dbqfoundation.org/FDPS.