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21st Century Community Learning Centers
"Students in quality after school programs have better academic performance, behavior, school attendance and greater expectations for the future." (U.S. Department of Education and Justice, 2000)
Purpose of 21st CCLC Grants
The purpose of the grant is to establish 21st Century Community Learning Centers that provide at-risk students with opportunities for standards based academic enrichment, personal enrichment, and other activities designed to complement the students’ regular academic program. The 21st CCLC programs also engage adult family members of actively participating students through educational and personal development opportunities.
Participating Dysart Unified School District Schools
- El Mirage
- Kingswood
- Riverview
- Thompson Ranch
- Surprise
Benefits
After school programs keep kids safe and improve students’ academic achievement by providing critical opportunities for youth to learn and grow. 21st Century Community Learning Center students who are involved in quality programming on a regular basis accomplish the following objectives:
- Receive better grades
- Exhibit improved behavior in and out of the classroom
- Perform higher on standardized tests
Funding
This federal program helps serve children in high need schools through the implementation of academic before-and-after school programs. The grants are awarded for a 5 (five) year time frame through an open competitive process.
General Requirements
The before school, after school and summer school 21st CCLC program must complement the regular academic school day.
Who is served?
- Students who attend schools in which a minimum of 40% of the students qualify for free and reduced meals.
- Family members of participating students are offered adult educational opportunities as an essential element of this grant.
- After school program must be implemented according to the original awarded grant proposal.
- After school program staff should work in close collaboration with the regular school day staff and community partners.
- Partnerships and collaborations are formed to ensure long-term commitments and resources for sustainability.
- Reading, math and writing program activities are scientifically based practices that will help students meet academic standards.
- Academic enrichment is aligned to the College and Career Ready Standards using cross curricular connections to meet performance objectives.
- The program staff must consult school and district administration regarding safety, health and nutrition procedures, and policies.
- Services to family members of participating students may include family literacy activities and other educational activities based on community needs.
For more information regarding the 21st Century Community Learning Centers at Dysart Unified School District, please contact the Federal Project Department at 623-876-7175