Community Chest receives $1.5 million grant

Community Chest Inc. of Virginia City received $1.5 million, and it wants to share the wealth.

At least five organizations will be chosen to receive awards for up to $50,000 each year for three years. Applicants must represent non-profit groups, schools, colleges and those who have an interest in supporting service learning.

"Service learning is a method of teaching and learning that connects community service with academic learning, personal growth and civic responsibility," said Janet Wright, the grant's program director. "The partnerships that will be funded will identify needs in our community and implement service learning to meet those particular needs."

The grant was awarded by the Corporation for National Service to support the Communities, Higher Education and School Partnership program.

Community Chest Inc. is a nonprofit organization promoting youth development and community improvement.

"The CHESP grant will have a two-fold purpose," Wright said. "To get people to support service learning and get them to be involved in the process throughout the state.

"Service learning will encourage teachers to connect their educational curriculum and programs with current issues in the community so youth will become actively engaged in their communities and feel that they are making a difference."

For more information or to apply for one of the awards, call Janet Wright at 787-9293.