Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs (LEAPs)
In November 2002, Tennesseans voted to create a state lottery. The General Assembly established that profits from the lottery go towards specific educational programs: college scholarships, early childhood programs and afterschool programs.
As provided under TCA 49-6-702, one hundred percent (100%) of monies constituting an unclaimed prize shall be deposited into an afterschool account for the purpose of administering a system of competitive grants and technical assistance for eligible organizations providing afterschool educational programs within Tennessee.
The overall goal of Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs (LEAPs) is to provide Tennessee students with academic enrichment opportunities that reinforce and complement the regular academic program.
Eligible Applicants
Public and Not-for-Profit Organizations that provide, or propose to provide, afterschool educational programs within Tennessee may apply for these funds.
Organizations that have not previously received grants from – or provided contractual services on behalf of – the State of Tennessee will be required to verify their ability to administer grant programs before being considered for funding.
Eligible Participants
- Youth 5-18 years old and enrolled in elementary or secondary school;
- 50% of students enrolled must also meet one of the following criteria:
- qualify for free/reduced lunch;
- be at risk of educational disadvantage and failure due to circumstances of abuse, neglect or disability;
- be at risk of state custody due to family dysfunction;
- be enrolled in and attending a public school failing to make adequate yearly progress (AYP);
- be attending a public school, including a public charter school, instead of a public school failing to make AYP as a result of parent choice; or
- be at risk of failing one or more subjects or are behind grade level by at least one year
However, preference shall be given to programs that maintain an enrollment of children of which at least 80% of the students enrolled meet one of the criteria above.
Program Priorities
Programs established must be designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students. All activities must be educationally based. Such programs must include:
- Services to students on an average of 15 hrs. per week;
- Reading skills development and enhancement;
- Math or science skills development and enhancement;
- Computer literacy and skills development;
- Academic mentoring or tutorial assistance; and
- Sports or leisure opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since each site is required to offer services for an average of 15 hrs., can sites be combined for 6 hrs. on Saturdays?
This may be a good idea as a way to collaborate and meet the requirement for the 15 hrs. Each site may complete the 15 hrs. requirement anyway it chooses, just as long as services are provided during the required timeframe and all program priorities are addressed.
What happens if parents are not willing to provide transportation?
All sites must have a safe plan for transporting students. This plan may include transportation expenses such as gas, insurance cost, driver salary, lease payments etc. It may not include the purchasing a vehicles for transportation. You may not prohibit any child, who qualifies, from participating because of a lack of transportation.
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Governor Bill Haslam
