Manchester Afterschool Program Expands eSports, Strengthens Student Supports
Manchester Local Schools reported strong participation in its grant-funded afterschool program for grades 6–12, now in year three of a five-year 21st Century Learning Center grant. The program’s mix of homework help, individualized IXL diagnostics, rotating enrichment partners and a new eSports lab is widening access to learning supports, transportation and career exploration for local families.
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Manchester Local Schools says its afterschool program for students in grades 6 through 12 is drawing robust participation as it enters the third year of a five-year 21st Century Learning Center grant. Administrators position the program as a multi-pronged effort that blends academic remediation, enrichment opportunities and social-emotional supports intended to keep students engaged and expand their post‑school options.
The program is led by Site Director David Knauff, with Assistant Director Britnee Inman and Federal Programs Coordinator Caroline Grooms‑Lowe overseeing federal grant alignment. Daily programming centers on homework help and individualized skill building, using IXL diagnostics to identify learning gaps and target practice. Rotating enrichment partners such as the Manchester Public Library and OSU Extension provide workshops and activities that supplement classroom learning and expose students to community resources.
A high-profile addition this year is an eSports lab outfitted with high‑performance PCs and Nintendo Switch consoles. Students compete online through the PlayVS platform in titles including Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros.; program leaders report the new teams have already notched their first win. Organizers view the eSports component as both a motivation tool and a pathway to technology skills, teamwork and potential career interests in gaming, IT, digital media and related fields.
Transportation has been a practical enabler of the program’s reach. District bus drivers provide transportation support that lowers a traditional barrier to afterschool participation, particularly for families juggling work schedules and limited childcare options. Staff also emphasize social‑emotional learning supports, career exploration activities and summer trips designed to broaden students’ experiences beyond the classroom.
The local significance of the program ties into broader economic and educational objectives. By providing structured afterschool time with targeted academic interventions and enrichment, the program helps mitigate learning loss and supports working families—outcomes that can translate into higher local labor force participation and longer‑term gains in human capital. As the community navigates workforce transitions, programs that connect students to technology, career pathways and community partners contribute to the county’s future talent pipeline.
With two years remaining on the current grant cycle, Manchester Local Schools faces decisions about sustaining gains and scaling services. The program’s combination of diagnostics-driven instruction, community partnerships and logistical supports offers a model for rural districts seeking to maximize federal grant resources while addressing local needs. For many Adams County families, the afterschool program is already delivering immediate academic help and new opportunities for students to explore interests and build skills that matter for school success and future employment.
