The 21st Century Community Learning Center Program is a key component of President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act.  It is an opportunity for student and their families to continue to learn new skills and discover new abilities after the school day has ended.

     The focus of this program is to provide academic enrichment opportunities for children attending schools.  Tutorial services and academic enrichment activities are designed to help students meet local and state academic standards in subjects such as reading and math.  In addition, 21st Century CCLC programs provide youth development activities, drug and violence prevention programs, technology education programs, art and music, and recreation programs, counseling and character education to enhance the academic component of the program.

The 21st Century Community Learning Program (CCLC) is a U.S. Department of Education program, administered through the states, providing grants to schools, community and faith-based organizations and youth development agencies, to provide high quality, expanded learning opportunities outside of regular school hours for children in a safe and sound educational environment.

Specific Program Goals:

• To increase academic performance for students at all grade levels.

                * To improve student skill level in core competencies, increase student involvement in activities, and to maintain student academic level when school is not in session.

• To increase parental involvement in child's learning and ability to serve as the child's primary teacher.

                * To improve literacy of participating parents, raise parental awareness of need for parental involvement in child's learning, and to increase family functioning through improved parenting skills.  Including a parent advisory board for the program.

• To reduce or prevent youth involvement in problem behavior.

                * To promote attachment to community, increase positive peer network, and improve family well-being.

• To promote involvement in postsecondary education and career planning.

                * Encourage long term educational and career planning, and help students move from K-12 to college.