Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) announced that Decas elementary school and Wareham Middle School received 21st Century Community Leaning Center Exemplary Program grants.

Through this federally-funded grant program, approximately 1,200 students will benefit from an expanded school day in 13 schools in 11 districts.

In Wareham, Decas elementary received $123,250 and Wareham Middle School got $50,000.

“High-quality expanded school days can give support for children who need it, benefiting their lives, futures and our community as a whole,” said Pacheco. “Engaged students are successful students, and I commend the school districts for their hard work in obtaining these funds.”

The programming will provide students with engaging core content instruction, project-based and service-learning experiences and opportunities for academic enrichment, according to a press release.

In addition, those schools will serve as mentors, models and resources for other programs across Massachusetts. These programs will also engage with various community partners to support students’ learning and social/emotional development.

“We must do all we can to cut drop-out rates, decrease risk-taking behavior and help our kids be successful,” said Pacheco.