East Lee County High School in Lehigh Acres has been awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for $345,000, according to Principal Ron Davis. This will be for a two-year period to support a student enrichment program at the school JAGS: Jaguar Academy Graduating Students and includes classes in metalworking, cinematography, poetry/lyrical writing along with other great courses and service learning projects, Davis said.

The focus of this program is to provide expanded academic enrichment opportunities for children attending Title 1 eligible schools. If successful, the program may be eligible for additional funding in future years, he said.

JAGS: Jaguar Academy for Graduating Students is an enriching, comprehensive academic and experiential program that will support students at East Lee County High. The students in JAGS will enjoy a 15-1 student/teacher ratio with additional support services available to students, Davis said.

The five intended outcomes of JAGS include: Improve Student Achievement; Improve Student Behavior; Improve Student Attendance; Increase Graduation Rate; and Improve Family Literacy.

The program approach is to deliver academic and personal enrichment activities to the entire family that will result in the intended outcomes, Davis said.

The District will partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Lee County to provide the program services and will receive additional help from other agencies within the community. JAGS will be engaging and meaningful and will provide unique and different experiences that will enhance and support the learning that occurs during the regular school day.

JAGS will be offered after-school, in the summer, on weekends, and over spring break and will include field experiences and family and career nights throughout the year.

Each component takes into consideration the whole student to provide necessary support for students to be successful in school and beyond, Davis said.