Aug. 11. By Dave Vieser. The Make an Impact Foundation is fast-tracking a new program that can provide a safe place for as many as 200 children for online learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and school shut-downs.

Camp EDvantage is free. Depending upon donations, Make an Impact also hopes to provide lunch and snacks.

Make An Impact Foundation identifies children affected by homelessness and poverty, as well as those with learning needs, emotional needs, disabilities or disease.

Aquesta Bank is providing their community rooms in Mooresville, Cornelius, and Huntersville. The American Legion is also providing space.

Volunteers are needed to monitor and facilitate the virtual learning of children at the camp. You may need to help them answer a question but you will not be tutoring/teaching.

Applications are now being accepted. Call Make an Impact at 704-831-8777 or email Deborah McKee at dmckee@makeanimpactnow.org or Bonnie Little at bonniedepo@hotmail.com for more information.

Remote learning pods and co-ops are forming around the country as parents cope with their work and the need to provide to tools and environment to learn outside of a traditional classroom.

The Cornelius Park Department is now taking applications for PARCplus, a mash-up combining a school day with a safe camp setting, for students in the first through fifth grades. The program will include time for online learning plus art, exercise, and homework. Pending final state direction, town officials hope to begin Monday Aug. 24.

The cost is $125 per child per week for Cornelius residents, and $175 per child per week for others, with priority registration for Cornelius residents. Registration for the lottery will close Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 8 pm.

Access web site www.cornelius.org/692/PARCplus to apply.