TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary amendments, with the California State Library to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $15,000, for a Library Family Learning Center (FLC) Program, for the period ending September 30, 2019; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund (SR 120) in the Library Services Department (LS) by $15,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Library Services Department (Library) grant application to the California State Library was approved. The Library was awarded grant funding for a Project and Collaborative Education Program (Program) within the Family Learning Centers (FLCs), in the amount of $15,000 for the grant period ending September 30, 2019.
With this funding, and through the Library’s successful FLC, homework support will be enhanced by providing training, materials, and supplies for students’ required homework projects, such as science fair experiments and California missions. It is a true reality that many Long Beach students experience difficulty with the quality of their projects because their families face economic hardship and cannot afford necessary supplies. The Program would help provide all students, regardless of family income and resources, an equitable chance to succeed. The anticipated outcome includes students’ increased confidence in their school projects, and families’ decreased stress associated with these projects. Additionally, schools and teachers should report an increase in quality and success of completed projects.
Library staff will work with the Long Beach Public Library Foundation to raise additional support beyond 2019.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on February 6, 2019 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on February 18, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 12, 2019, to receive and expend grant funding by Septe...
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