The Released Time program provided to students at area schools has expanded from two to eight schools for the 2025-26 school year.

The program is made possible by School Ministries of Trumbull County, a non-profit group made up of members from various churches. Mike Jones, local School Ministries president, said for the 2024-25 school year, there were 40 students from Champion and Bristol who took part in the weekly program.

Jones said volunteers are needed as teachers, aides and drivers since there will be more students from more school districts participating. He said last school year, there were 15 volunteers.

“We will be offering studies five days a week and having a couple of days that we will have to cover two schools on the same day. We are looking for volunteers from every district to aid us,” Jones said.

Jones said with the passage of House BIll 8 — signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in January and effective in April — School Ministries has reached out to a number of new schools when the wording was changed from schools “may” offer to “shall” offer the program.

He said volunteers have been conducting the Released Time studies in Champion and Bristol schools for the past couple of years for grades five through eight.

“We know that the students who have been participating attend a number of different churches. Everything is growing by word of mouth,” Jones said.

He said the organization is required to have two unrelated adults in each classroom and in each transportation vehicle. All volunteers chosen will have to pass a background check by Protect My Ministries.

Students in grades K-12 leave a school site and are transported to a local church or other location where they are taught the Bible through lessons and activities. Any church with a van that can be used is asked to let the organization know. Organizers said all curriculum has been chosen by committee board members and will be provided to leaders.

Students who participate are required to have parental approval.

For questions, call or text Jones at 330-246-0805 or email coachmikejones44@gmail.com.

Additional information about the organization and program is available at www.schoolministriesoft rumbullcounty.com.