The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, signed into law on January 8, 2002, authorizes the California Department of Education to administer the California 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program (NCLB Act, Title IV, Part B). California’s 21st CCLC Program parallels the design of the state After School Education and Safety Program. One key difference is that the California 21st CCLC Program provides funding in five one-year grants with expectations for local sustainability. The 21st CCLC funding primarily serves students in kindergarten through grade twelve who attend schools eligible for Title I schoolwide programs or those that serve a high percentage of students from low-income families. Priority is given to schools designated as in need of improvement.
Eligible 21st CCLC grant applicants include LEAs, cities, counties, community-based organizations, and other public or private entities (which may include faith-based organizations) or a consortium of such entities, agencies, or organizations. NCLB requires all after school programs to implement research-based strategies to assist students in core academic content areas with academic and educational enrichment activities.
