21st Century Community Learning CentersLearning Support :

Purpose

The purpose of the  21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, is to establish or expand community learning centers that provide students with academic enrichment opportunities. Additionally, activities are designed to complement the students’ regular academic program. Centers – which can be located in elementary or secondary schools or other similarly accessible community facilities – provide a range of high-quality services to support student learning and development, which may include tutoring and mentoring, homework help, academic enrichment and community service opportunities, as well as music, arts, sports and cultural activities. At the same time, centers help working parents by providing a safe environment for students during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session. Public schools, private schools and community based organizations, including faith based organizations, may apply for funding to operate a 21^st CCLC site.

Target Population

21^st Century Community Learning Center grant funds support centers that primarily serve students who attend schools that have a high percentage of students from low-income families. Other priorities for funding include centers proposing primarily to serve students from schools identified as in need of improvement (AYP) and partnerships between Title I schools and community organizations.

21^st Century Community Learning Centers in Minnesota

To date, the Minnesota Department of Education has awarded 52 grants – 19 in 2002 and 19 in 2004 and 14 in 2007.  Grantees include school districts and community-based organizations.  In 2006-2007, over 20,000 students were served in 115 community learning centers located throughout the state. The majority of these centers offered academic improvement and enrichment programs, tutoring and homework help, youth leadership and community service programs and art and music education. 

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