The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod presented the Barnstable Recreation Department’s Remote Learning Center with a $2,500 donation on Sept. 23, to provide scholarships for Barnstable students in financial need.
The new program, which will run from Oct. 13 to June 18 inside the Hyannis Youth & Community Center, is designed to provide a supervised safe space for eligible students to participate in remote school days who may be unable to do so at home.
“This program was developed specifically for both parents who are working during the day and for students to have safe, supervised remote learning and social interaction when they are not in the classroom,” said Patti Machado, Barnstable’s recreation director. “It’s an essential program to serve our community during this challenging time and I’m grateful for The Coop’s help with our most neediest children, and helping make sure no child is denied access to the Program.”
This donation is in lieu of the annual Positively Different Soccer Clinic the bank normally underwrites in September. For the past 10 years, The Coop has brought in Olympic Gold Medalist Kristine Lilly to lead a soccer clinic for children across the Cape ages 6 to 14. Due to the pandemic, the bank had to cancel the clinic and wanted to redirect the funds to continue to support the community.
“The Remote Learning Center is vital to supporting the educational and social needs of this community, specifically those who may not have access to computers at home or those families with parents who cannot miss work while their young child is in school remotely,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, president and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “We understand and support that, which is why we leapt at the chance to help fund the program.”
The program is limited to 39 students who will rotate according to their assigned school cohort group and will be required to adhere to physical distancing guidelines. Participants are required to bring all necessary school materials each day, as well as a mask/face covering. Breakfast and lunch, however, will be provided by the Barnstable Public Schools Food Service.
For more information on the Remote Learning Center visit https://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/departments/Recreation/ and click on the “Remote Learning Center” tab.
