DIXFIELD — RSU 10 has learned it will get a new 21st Century federal grant for after-school programs at Dirigo Elementary School in Peru and Mountain Valley Middle School in Mexico.

Barbara Radmore, director of the Western Foothills Kids Association and grant writer, said the district will receive $300,000 a year for three years.

“The competition was fierce. It took a lot of good planning,” she said.

The district’s five-year $1.1 million grant is expiring. It paid for after-school and summer programs for children attending Rumford Elementary School, Meroby Elementary School in Mexico, Buckfield Middle School and Dirigo Middle School in Dixfield. Radmore said she is working to find funding to continue those programs.

“We can’t not have it,” she said. “It is so important for these students to have extended learning opportunities.”

During the past few years, students have had an opportunity to plant gardens, learn to cook, take part in robotics and participate in other activities.

The new grant, named Full STEAM Ahead, will emphasize science, technology, engineering, math and the arts, Radmore said. She has not yet met with Dixfield school Principal Charlie Swan or middle school Principal Ryan Casey to determine the exact nature of the new programs.

She said surveys likely will be distributed to students and staff asking what topics they’d like to study.

Two new site coordinators will be needed to help with the program.