Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Program Description

This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local academic standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

21^st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Program Subgrantee Best Practice Spotlight Submission Process

The U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Nita M. Lowey 21^st Century Community Learning Center (21^st CCLC) program is seeking assistance from State educational agencies (SEAs) in identifying innovative and engaging 21^st CCLC subgrantee programs to spotlight.  The Department’s 21^st CCLC will select up to two subgrantee programs to spotlight quarterly on its program’s landing page.

All submissions should be made to 21stCCLC@ed.gov with the subject Subgrantee Spotlight. SEAs will need to submit a hi-resolution JPEG or PNG file and provide the following information:

• Program name and location
• Program contact information
• Student names and grades
• Description of activity, achievement, or accomplishment
• Description of the positive impact the sub-grantee brings to the overall goals and mission of the 21st CCLC program

The Department will review submissions using a scoring rubric for overall goals and participation of student, teacher, parental, and community engagement of the 21st CCLC program. The scoring rubric can be viewed here.

Please find the timeline for submissions and publication for the upcoming year below:

Thank you! The Department appreciates all you do on behalf of students and families, and we look forward to reviewing your State’s submissions.

21st CCLC Subgrantee Best Practice Spotlight

The Department is pleased to spotlight programs being implemented using 21^st CCLC funds.

Lights, Camera, Action! Dennis Elementary School’s 21^st CCLC Program in Bishopville, SC

The media team at Dennis Elementary School gives us a tour of its amazing 21^st CCLC program.  The 21^st CCLC program’s media team shares how “it is creative…fun…and educational!”  The program addresses the whole child by providing academic and social enrichment activities.  They elicit support from community partners and encourage parental engagement.  Parents can participate in workshops and are encouraged to get involved to help strengthen and expand the program.  Take a moment to learn firsthand from students what they enjoy most about their program.  https://youtu.be/XpOuZeateMc

Building Skills and Confidence at the Early Newcomer Academy’s 21^st CCLC Program in Allentown, PA

The Early Newcomer Academy’s (ENA) 21^st CCLC program’s objectives include raising school day attendance rates, encouraging exemplary behavior in social and academic contexts, and improving the conventional school curriculum. The program has been proven to serve as a beneficial supplement for students to continue to learn and grow in a safe, small group setting. Each day, students receive help completing their homework as well as individualized/small group tutoring in foundational math and language skills. Students may engage in STEM, mental health counseling, physical wellness, and other enrichment activities.  The ENA provides intense English language support and academic instruction to immigrant and refugee children new to the United States and who have limited English skills. The ENA’s bilingual and bicultural support team not only offers English and core curriculum, but also offers social and emotional learning opportunities for students, such as wellness, counseling groups, and even visits from a therapy dog!

The ENA holds monthly parent/guardian involvement programs such as Open House, Trunk-or-Treat, quarterly conferences, and adult English as a Second Language classes. The program also offers family events after school hours to encourage parents/guardians to come to the school and work with their students on STEM activities led by our enrichment providers. In addition, the ENA program has offered parents/guardians training on “Positive Parenting” through sessions facilitated by Cohesion Network. This training allows parents/guardians the opportunity to get genuine and heartfelt support in their new environment. The ENA program has demonstrated the highest level of family involvement in 2023.  To learn more about this amazing program click here.