The Board of Education has awarded over $37,000 in grants to Butler County non-profit community organizations to help serve students who are at-risk of failing school.

The Alabama Legislature requires that 20 percent of a school district’s at-risk funding be used to partner with non-profit organizations. The money is used to help fund programs that help improve academic performance.

Covenant Care Community Development received over $15,000 from the board. The funds will assist in transporting students to and from the facility, advertising, additional supplies and equipment and basic overhead, said staff member Lois Robinson. Founded in 2001, Covenant Care services 100 students who attend Butler County schools. The organization operates out of the basement of Covenant Warrior Church on E. Field Street.

“Our goal is to ultimately become an extension of the Butler County School System,” said Robinson.

Covenant Care assists students in grades 3-12 with improving academic achievement in reading, writing and mathematics, said Robinson. Staff helps students understand financial responsibility, promote violence prevention, and teach life skills, she said.

Robinson said the organization’s mission is to aid mainly poor and disadvantage families and youths.

The Greenville YMCA was awarded over $11,000, while Healthy Kids received approximately $7,000 and Every Child Deserves a Chance was granted $3,900.