Purpose

The purpose of the 21^st Century Community Learning Centers initiative is to enable communities to establish or expand school-based programs to provide our nation’s children and other community members with after-school, weekend and summer programs in safe, drug-free, and supervised environments. These Centers will provide academic enrichment and support; recreational, artistic, sports, and cultural activities; opportunities for children to participate in community service projects; nutritional and health services; access to technology and telecommunications; and activities to promote parent involvement and lifelong learning that can directly and indirectly benefit their children.

How Are Funds Distributed?

The U.S. Department of Education will award three-year grants on a competitive basis to local schools as defined below.

Rural and inner-city public elementary, middle or secondary schools, consortia of such schools, or local educational agencies (LEAs) applying on their behalf are eligible to receive grants. The legislation states that schools "should collaborate with other public and nonprofit agencies and organizations, local businesses, educational entities (such as vocational and adult education programs, school-to-work programs, community colleges, and universities), recreational, cultural and other community and human service entities, for the purpose of meeting the needs of, and expanding the opportunities available to, the residents of the communities served by such schools." By statute, applications must include "a description of the collaborative efforts to be undertaken by community-based organizations, related public agencies, businesses, or other appropriate organizations."

Meetings, Technical Assistance and Application Workshops