Skip to content

Education ministry funds greater community use of schools

For the 2012-13 school year, a total of $800,000 will be available through the School Community Connections (SCC) program for projects

VICTORIA - For the 2012-13 school year, a total of $800,000 will be available through the School Community Connections (SCC) program for projects that expand the use of K-12 school space, including upgrades to Neighborhood Learning Centers, according to a media release from the Ministry of Education.

“The SCC program supports greater use of school facilities and Neighborhood Learning Centers for the benefit of students and families in communities throughout British Columbia,” said George Abbott, the Minister of Education. “SCC has successfully achieved its goal of bringing schools and the communities they serve closer together and the legacy of the fund will continue for years to come.”

The goal of the SCC program is to actively encourage boards of education and local governments to work with community partners to increase the use of schools to provide community services. During this round of funding, school districts, in partnership with local governments, can submit applications for one or more projects - totaling no more than $12,500. Projects can include, but are not limited to:

• Co-location of community organizations, offices, services or other activities.

• Space for early learning, childcare or after-school care programs and family resource centers.

• Community kitchens or gardens.

• Space for intergenerational programs or services for seniors.

• Installation and/or renovation of doors, locks and entry systems that allow greater community access to school facilities.

• Upgrades or renovations to school athletic fields, recreational facilities and/or playgrounds to increase use by sports organizations and the community at large.

Launched in 2005, through a one-time $10-million grant from the Ministry of Education, the SCC program is managed jointly by the Union of BC Municipalities and the BC School Trustees Association. The 2012-13 school year is the final year of the SCC program.

Learn More:

School Community Connections Program: www.schoolconnections.ca

Neighborhood Learning Centers: www.neighbourhoodlearningcentres.gov.bc.ca

BC’s Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca/

– Ministry of Education