A local organization that supports area school districts and communities has been notified that their U.S. Department of Education "Full-Service Community Schools" grant will not be renewed.

Wayne County Community Schools (WCCS) was first notified on December 12th of last year that the federal agency would be discontinuing the grant monies. WCCS worked with Syracuse University and other partners to organize an appeal which was denied by the U.S. Department of Education on December 29th.

The funding cut equates to around $6,000,000 over the next two years.

WCCS says the decision was not based on their performance. "We have met, and in many cases exceeded, all grant requirements and are recognized nationally as a strong example of how Community Schools can support students and families effectively."

Jay Roscup, director of WCCS, says that while the loss of funding hurts, the organization plans to keep pushing forward.

 "Last year when the Feds froze funding across all projects with no warning we knew we needed to prepare. Fortunately, our Wayne Partnership is more than a decade old, the relationships between schools, agencies and the county is strong, and people are rallying together to support essential efforts to meet the needs of young people.  It is in community that we have always found hope.”

The U.S. Department of Education cancelled funding impacting around 19 of these types of programs nationwide. So far, only one recipient has been able to win their appeal and restore funds. Idaho’s community schools grant was reinstated after the United Way of Treasure Valley, who administers the region’s program, indicated they had previously removed any elements of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training from their grant request. The DEI elements were once required for grant applicants under the Biden administration, but are now at odds with  the current administration’s views.

Roscup says several initiatives will  likely be impacted including the group’s STEADY work internships, after school programs and the potential loss of in-school coordinators at Lyons, Newark and Williamson school districts.

As the organization continues to navigate the funding gaps, Roscup says that local leaders have been very supportive.

New York State Senator Pam Helming has worked with WCCS over the years and says she sees real value in the resources they provide.

“Wayne County Community Schools programs, including Steady Work and M.O.S.T., play a vital role in preparing students for good-paying, in-demand jobs. I have been a long-time supporter of these initiatives and have proudly worked alongside Jay and the Community Schools to help build the Pathways to Prosperity Program."

Senator Helming points to the local impact the programs have already had on both students and the community at large.

"Young people are gaining the real-world skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers and in life. Graduates are entering the workforce prepared, confident, and ready to contribute from day one. Local businesses across our area have partnered with Wayne County Community Schools and are already seeing the benefits of having job-ready employees. In the long term, investing in students and helping them build a strong foundation for the future benefits everyone.”

WCCS says they will keep pushing forward and look to replace funding where possible.

On January 7th, The Greater Rochester Health Foundation awarded Wayne County Community Schools $75,000 in immediate emergency funds to support continued services.

The organization has posted more information on their website at waynecountycommunityschools.org.