The Pennsylvania Department of Education is pleased to provide 21st CCLC funding to the children and youth in Pennsylvania.

History

21st Century Community Learning Centers focus is on providing expanded enrichment opportunities to children attending low performing schools. From 1998 to 2001, the United States Department of Education administered the 21st CCLC program and supplied funds to local communities through a competitive proposal process. In 2002, administration of the 21st CCLC program was turned over to the State Government.

Program Goals

Pennsylvania’s primary goal for its 21st Century Community Learning Centers is to assist youth to meet state standards for core academic subjects by providing students with academic enrichment opportunities. In addition to academics, Centers are encouraged to offer participants a broad array of other services and programs, such as art, music, recreation activities, character education, career and technical training, drug and violence prevention programming and technology education. These opportunities may take place before school, after school and/or during holidays or summer recess. Educational services for families of participating students, such as literacy instruction, computer training and/or cultural enrichment must also be given.

One of the key aspects of Pennsylvania’s CCLC program initiative is an emphasis on active youth and family participation to ensure that both have decision-making roles in the creation, operation and evaluation of every 21st Century Community Learning Center in Pennsylvania. Another key aspect of Pennsylvania’s program is its intense focus on school and community collaboration. Through the provision of state funding and technical assistance, schools will be encouraged to mobilize school, community and private sector social and health services support and resources in order to remove barriers that impede students’ learning.