Nola Derby-Bennett: Champions Award in the Engage Every Student Recognition Program
Background
The Lincoln Community Learning Centers (CLCs) under the direction of Nola Derby-Bennett was honored during a special ceremony hosted by the U.S. Department of Education with the Champions Award in the Engage Every Student Recognition Program. This was the first year for the program, and only 13 nominees nation-wide were selected for the honor.
Explanation
The Lincoln Community Learning Centers (CLCs) under the direction of Nola Derby-Bennett was honored during a special ceremony hosted by the U.S. Department of Education with the Champions Award in the Engage Every Student Recognition Program. This was the first year for the program, and only 13 out of the 57 nominees nation-wide were selected for the honor.
The award recognizes programs that expand access to high-quality after-school and/or summer learning classes for local students. There are currently 30 LPS schools with CLC programming serving 10,000 students across the district. These CLCs give students opportunities to dig deeper into STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs, the arts, social activities and physical fitness.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel said:
“This year’s Engage Every Student Champions are leading the charge in their local communities and states to ensure that all students nationwide have the opportunity to thrive, learn and grow through their engagement in high-quality after-school and summer learning programs.”
Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the members of the Lincoln Public Schools Community Learning Centers under the direction of Nola Derby-Bennett was honored by the U.S. Department of Education with the Champions Award in the Engage Every Student Recognition Program; and
WHEREAS, Nola Derby-Bennett and the CLCs collaborate with community partners to provide a fun, educational delivery system that uses neighborhood schools as the central gathering place for students, families and community; and
WHEREAS, Nola Derby-Bennett and the CLCs provide students opportunities to dig deeper into science, technology, engineering, math, the arts, social activities and physical fitness during non-school hours; and
WHEREAS, Nola Derby-Bennett and the CLCs are leading the charge to ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive, learn and grow through their engagement in high-quality after-school and summer learning programs;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate Nola Derby-Bennett and the Community Learning Centers for being honored with the Champions Award as part of the Engage Every Student Recognition Program.
Updated January 29, 2025
