New Community Center Gets Education Grant

The Vaughn Next Century Learning Center has received a $123,200 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, officials said.

The money will fund programs at a community center the school plans to open next door later this month.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants were presented nationwide to schools in poor neighborhoods.

In Pacoima, the money will be used for the community center’s on-site clinic, library staff and various after-school programs, said Yvonne Chan, the school’s principal. The money also will pay for adult computer, career and citizenship classes.

“We built this center next to the school to bring students and the rest of the community together,” Chan said. “The money is part of making our dream come true.”