Release: #04-46
May 25, 2004

Contact: Tina Jung
E-mail: communications@cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-319-0818

21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Keeps Disadvantaged Students
Safe and Helps Them Meet California's Rigorous Academic Standards

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced the selection of 57 grantees that will share $27 million in federal grants under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) - Elementary and Middle program. A complete list of the grantees is no longer available online. Please contact the Communications Division.

The 57 grantees in California were selected from 165 applicants. They serve 255 elementary and 69 middle schools in California. The 21st CCLC program seeks to establish or expand community learning centers for students who attend low-achieving or high-poverty schools.

"The need for this program is clear," said O'Connell. "These grants will provide critically needed, community-based activities that will keep kids off the streets and extend their learning time. These grants will help our children maintain their five-year track record of continued student academic achievement."

The grant money may be used for starting or continuing before- and after-school programs. The program is designed to keep children safe outside of school hours and provide academic enrichment to help students meet California's rigorous standards in math, science, and reading; as well as provide students homework centers, tutors, and a range of cultural, developmental, and recreational opportunities. As part of O'Connell's reform efforts to reduce the bureaucratic burden on local educational agencies, he will not require 21st CCLC awardees that did not receive full funding the first year to prepare and submit new grant applications during the rest of their five-year competitive award process.

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California), author of the federal law providing funding for after-school programs, said, "After-school programs work. Recent research shows that participation in after-school programs is associated with better school attendance, more positive attitudes toward schoolwork, higher aspirations for college, finer work habits, better interpersonal skills, higher quality homework completion, and improved grades. Local law enforcement and the FBI strongly support after-school because these programs help to reduce drop-out rates and time spent in unhealthy behaviors such as drug use and gang activity. After-school programs in California translate to safer, better prepared, and more successful kids."

Eligible applicants for 21st CCLC grants include local educational agencies, cities, counties, community organizations, public or private entities, or a combination of these groups. Grant amounts vary depending on the number of students served, the number of days the before- or after-school program is in operation, and the availability of funds. Studies show children who participate in after-school programs demonstrate positive effects in attendance and achievement.

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Attachment A

Reaction from Around California

Bay Area (Grants affect 36 schools):

"Our schools, especially those in low-income areas, would greatly benefit from this program," said Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Leland Yee (D-San Francisco, San Mateo County). "These grants will help provide enrichment programs that are critical for student achievement and success." "I am very pleased that several schools in my district have received grants for these valuable programs," said Assemblymember Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley). "Funding is critical to enable schools and communities to partner together to provide these essential services. The 21st CCLC and After School Education and Safety programs help improve and enrich student learning."

Central Coast (Grants affect nine schools):

Senator Bruce McPherson (R-Santa Cruz), an author of significant after-school legislation, stated, "The federal 21 st CCLC program has long served as an important complement to the state's Before and After School Learning and Safe Neighborhoods Partnerships Program in expanding the number of after-school programs in California. The remarkable success of after-school programs in improving student behavior, attendance and academic achievement is well known. After-school programs have assisted in reducing crime and violence, and children participating in such programs have shown a marked reduction in risky behaviors such as drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Through after-school programs, we can keep kids happy, healthy and occupied."

Central Valley (Grants affect 49 schools):

"I'm glad we have a chance to provide grants for after-school programs," said Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced). "This is a valuable service that will help students at under-performing schools.""I am extremely pleased that two schools in my district are receiving grants from the 21st CCLC program," said Assemblymember Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford). "Establishing new after-school programs will allow more students at these schools to excel academically. Providing an additional support system for students of parents who work long hours is long overdue in the Central Valley."

Inland Empire (Grants affect 33 schools):

"Over the last few years, we have seen some progress by a number of Inland Empire schools," said State Senator Nell Soto (D-Ontario). "But for those schools that continue to struggle, the 21st CCLC grants offer hope for a brighter future, and I am glad to see that communities in my district will be eligible to compete for these badly needed funds."

Los Angeles (Grants affect 94 schools):

"This is great news! Long Beach Unified deserves these funds and it's heartening to see their hard work being recognized," said Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach). "These programs not only help children, especially in low-income schools, work on their academic achievement skills, but also help them gain enrichment opportunities that are critical to success."

"In California, 18.4 percent of 5- to 17-year-olds live in poverty," said Senator Gloria Romero (D-East Los Angeles). "These are children who already face daunting challenges in life. These competitive grants offered by through the California Department of Education will help keep these children on the right path, and give them a deserved chance at success."

"There is a great need for after school programs in Long Beach," said Senator Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach). "I am so pleased that so many Long Beach schools have been given this opportunity."

San Diego (Grants affect 30 schools):

"I am honored that a large number of high priority schools in my district have been awarded the 21st CCLC grants," said Assemblymember Juan Vargas (D-San Diego). "These grants are very helpful in improving the overall education of our children."