LifeWise Academy was the featured guest presentation at the Urbana Lions Club on Wednesday afternoon, with Jody Rooney and Summer Woodburn discussing the program and its work with students in Urbana City Schools.
Rooney and Woodburn spoke to Lions Club members about how the program operates locally and the role it plays in serving Urbana students and families.
LifeWise Academy is a nationwide program that provides released-time religious instruction to public school students. The program operates under three requirements: instruction must take place off school property, be privately funded, and require parental permission.
The LifeWise program has been active in Urbana for four years. According to information presented to the Lions Club, 312 students in Urbana City Schools, from first through 12th grade, currently participate.
Students receive approximately 30 minutes of instruction once a week and do not miss core curriculum for the program. Lessons focus on the gospel and use character traits as a central part of the instruction.
LifeWise says its model is designed to provide Bible-based character education during the public school day while partnering with parents. Nationally, the organization has expanded significantly since its founding in Ohio, with programs now serving students in schools across the country.
