The purpose of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program:

The 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, commonly known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), transferred the responsibility for administering the 21st CCLC program from the United States Department of Education to state education agencies. To date, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has awarded funding to 351 21st CCLC programs (including Round 4) representing local education agencies and other eligible community and faith-based as well as for profit organizations.

The 21st CCLC provides programs outside of regular school hours primarily for children who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. These programs provide academic enrichment and youth development opportunities to students, as well as family literacy and other programs for their families. They can make a significant contribution to closing the achievement gap in our neediest schools. A growing body of literature, research studies and evaluations strongly suggests that afterschool and other out-of-school time programs, if done well, can improve student academic.

Description of a Community Learning Center:

A community learning center offers academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities to students and their families when school is not in session (before and after school, or during holiday or summer recess). According to Section 420(b)(1) of the program statute, a community learning center assists meeting state and local academic achievement standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and mathematics, by providing the students with opportunities for academic enrichment. The Centers also provide students with a broad array of other activities such as drug and violence prevention, counseling, recreation, technology and character education programs. Community learning centers must also serve the families of participating students.