Members of the Nevada community were thrilled to learn their school received a half-million-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education Tuesday.

Under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, almost $7 million was given to 11 Iowa schools.

“The grants will help schools plan, implement or expand projects that benefit the needs of the community,” said Beth Pellett, assistant press secretary for Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

Nevada Community Schools Superintendent Harold Hulleman said Nevada’s three-year proposal requested $534,000 for 2001, $547,000 for 2002 and $565,000 for 2003.

A large part of this money will help support Nevada’s Community Resource Center, part of the Nevada school system established three years ago with state funding, he said.

Karen Burdick, office manager of the resource center, said they provide programs before and after school for children from birth to graduation.

“I’m thrilled and happy,” Burdick said. “This is a wonderful thing.”

Each school underwent a long application process to receive funding. Grant amounts were based on what each school requested in their application.

“We’re excited about receiving it,” he said. “It’s a long shot, but we’ve always got our fingers crossed.”

Hulleman said the money will be used to finance several programs, including parent education, summer school, early childhood summer readiness, Saturday school and after-school counseling.