WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a grant totaling $30,200 for the CREATE Foundation.  The funds will be used by A Way Out, an after-school program in Itawamba County.  The program will work with 30-40 children daily after school and with 50 students in a summer program. 

“This is an important investment in Itawamba County’s young people,” Sen. Wicker said.  “These funds will help ensure the A Way Out program continues to provide the guidance and academic assistance students need to succeed.” 

In order to become and remain economically competitive, Itawamba County needs a well educated workforce.  Currently, more than 34 percent of all students in Itawamba County drop out of high school.  To address this issue, local businesses and community groups have come together to start the A Way Out program, an after-school enrichment and tutoring program.  This program works with at-risk students, bolstering their academic skills in order to keep them on track for graduation. 

In addition to the ARC funds, the City of Fulton, Itawamba County Schools, and local community groups and individuals will provide $30,640, bringing the total funding for the project to $60,740.