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SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced 498 grantees throughout the state will receive $30 million in 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) – Elementary & Middle Schools grants. 

"These grants will help California narrow the achievement gap by providing students with enriching programs and academic assistance, while also helping entire families become literate so disadvantaged students will have the proper support network to succeed in school," said O'Connell. "Children must remain engaged in the love of learning even during school recess so they don't fall further behind when class resumes, especially after a long time off."

The competitive federal grants will enable applicants to establish or expand community learning centers and educational enrichment programs outside of school. Because of the large volume of grantees, the list may be accessed on the California Department of Education Web site at Funding Results: 21st Century Community Learning Centers - Elementary & Middle Schools. 

Eligible applicants in this round of funding comprised a fourth cohort, or group, that included institutions of higher learning, local educational agencies, nonprofit organizations, other organizations or agencies, or a consortium of these groups. This cohort will receive funding as five, one-year grants contingent upon annual approval by the state Legislature and continued funding by the federal government. The applicants must have a large number of disadvantaged students in elementary through middle schools in need of improvement that have not previously received funding from 21st CCLC or the After School Education and Safety grant.  

Applicants must establish or expand community learning centers that provide students with enriching activities designed to complement what they learn in school.  These enrichment programs may include youth development activities; drug and violence prevention programs; counseling programs; art, music, and recreation programs; career-technical education programs; and character education programs.  Community learning centers must also offer these students' families literacy and related services such as adult education, English language literary classes, or employment and interview support classes. Such services help parents become partners in their children's education, help families become economically self-sufficient, and help provide a more stable family environment that supports student learning. The centers also help working parents by providing a safe environment for students during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session.

Applicants must satisfy periodic reporting and accountability requirements in order to receive continued funding over the five-year period of the grant. These requirements include attendance and fiscal reporting, program evaluation, participation in the federal Annual Performance Report, participation in the state categorical monitoring process, maintenance of annual audit requirements, and participation in on-site visits by state staff and field technical assistance providers. If a program consistently fails to demonstrate measurable program outcomes for three consecutive years, the California Department of Education may terminate the program.

For more information on the 21st CCLC – Elementary & Middle School grants, please visit Past Funding Profile (ID 999): 21st Century Community Learning Centers - Elementary & Middle Schools.