Three area school districts, including two in Monroe County, will share $2.5 million in federal 21st Century Community Learning Center funds for student activities.

Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton, Cashton, and La Crosse were among a pool of 123 proposed sites competing for grants. Applicants requested $11.7 million.

The new sites will join 147 continuing programs in sharing almost $14.4 million statewide for the 2009-10 school year.

Cashton and Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton each will receive $60,000, while La Crosse will get $135,000 for two sites.

Sue Peterson, community outreach coordinator for the La Crosse School District, said Franklin Elementary School will use $75,000 to continue its program and North Woods International School $60,000 to start a new program.

“I am very thankful,” Peterson said. “I think it speaks to the good work and quality of after-school programs that we’re offering here.”

Funded sites must provide after-school activities designed to improve student achievement, attendance and behaviors. Many also offer before-school services as well as weekend and summer programming.

Nearly all programs offer opportunities for academic enrichment and recreational activities.

Grant-funded programs serve more than 33,000 students annually throughout the state, according to the recent CLC yearly performance report. The majority of participants attend program activities more than 11 hours a week.