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 [email protected] 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.

James Mathews Elementary and 34^th Avenue Elementary, Pine Bluff, Arkansas

The Pine Bluff 21^st CCLC program provides students with a positive, encouraging, and enriching environment for students to feel safe, learn, and experience new things. The program director utilizes activities such as robotics, choral and instrumental music, and academic support for K-6 grades to help improve school achievement and improve school attendance. Student misconduct during the school day has been reduced because of the efforts of the after-school program. The program also hosts multiple parent involvement nights, to bring parents into the program to help support students. Lastly, the Pine Bluff 21^st CCLC program provides opportunities for its students to learn and see other parts of the state by providing educational field trips to the Museum of Discovery and the Mid-America Museum.  Here is a short video to spotlight their students’ success.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ixck4TxStTniJVKNRdXKHAYsANLAAApD/view?ts=666749a9

Life Pieces to Masterpieces, District of Columbia Public Schools, Washington, DC

Since its inception in 1996, Life Pieces to Masterpieces (LPTM) has been a beacon of hope and creativity in the Washington, DC community. Founded by Mary Brown, the organization has dedicated over 27 years to providing comprehensive after-school, Saturday, and summer programming for male school children as young as three years old to adults. Through a unique blend of academic enrichment, art, character-building education, leadership training, and youth development activities, the LPTM 21^st CCLC program aims to unlock creative potential and foster positive transformation within individuals and communities alike. Program photos click here.