Press Release - Thirteen 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants totaling more than $2.5 million have been awarded to community learning centers statewide.
The federally funded grants are authorized by the No Child Left Behind law and awarded through a competitive process.
The awarded grants provide a multitude of scientifically research-based best practices to serve students, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools in both rural and urban communities. The grants encompass activities in language arts, mathematics, science, technology, health and safety as well as other educational programs. Families of students are provided with various literacy opportunities as a part of a holistic approach to developing and supporting each child.
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative currently supports 126 programs at 221 sites serving approximately 18,788 students. Grant-funded projects include remedial education, tutoring, mentoring, limited-English proficiency programs, counseling programs, character education, leadership skills training, arts and recreational initiatives, career development and drug/violence prevention programs.
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs began 12 years ago. At that time, only school districts were eligible for funding. Grants are now available for other public and private organizations, including faith-based organizations.
The 2010-11 recipients include eight school districts and/or schools, four community-based organizations and one college/university, serving students from 25 schools in 13 school districts.
Funding eligibility is extended to public school districts, individual public schools, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and other public or private organizations. Partnerships composed of two such organizations or a consortium of partners are eligible to apply for funding, also.
2010-2011 Grant Award Recipients
Boys & Girls Club of the Upstate Spartanburg 1 & 3 $375,000
Burton-Pack Elementary School Richland 1 $200,000
Clemson University Anderson 4 & 1 $375,000
Elite Educational Services Florence 1 $90,000
Jasper County School District Jasper $198,750
Lancaster County School District Lancaster $119,936
Lexington School District Five Lexington 5 $192,548
Longleaf Middle School Richland 2 $187,500
Marlboro County School District Marlboro $200,000
Richland County Recreation Foundation Richland 1 $90,000
W. A. Perry Middle School Richland 1 $200,000
Williamsburg County School District Williamsburg $149,000
Wings for Kids Charleston $199,997
