By John Laidler GLOBE CORRESPONDENT  SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

Fifth- and sixth-graders at East Somerville Community School have additional learning opportunities, including the chance to serve as apprentices, through a new partnership. The nonprofit Citizen Schools is providing enrichment and academic support to students both in school and during after-school hours to help develop real-world skills and guide them toward college and career success. During the school day, a Citizen Schools team of seven that includes a campus director and six AmeriCorps teaching fellows is providing academic support and general assistance. Citizen Schools is also providing a voluntary after-school program four days a week that helps with homework. Students also have a chance to participate in apprenticeships led by community volunteers who want to share their career expertise. A $200,000 grant from the Biogen Foundation has helped meet first-year program costs.

John Laidler can be reached at laidler@globe.com.