The Nation

21st Century Community Learning Centers

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21stCCLCs) program is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to after-school programs. Congress and the U.S. Department of Education are proposing changes to 21CCLC. TASC President Lucy N. Friedman issued this statement on August 12, 2010:

Expand Learning through 21CCLC Partnerships

For many kids, getting on track toward success in college and adulthood depends on getting more time and opportunities to learn right now, while they’re still in elementary or middle school. The U.S. lags behind other developed nations in the time we devote to school and learning. That’s why TASC is putting our resources, energies and reputation on the line in a quest to expand the school day to meet the needs of New York City kids. Based on our 12 years of developing research-tested after-school programs, we know the most effective way to expand the school day is to partner schools with community agencies.

An 8 AM to 6 PM school day is a radical change from the norm, as is putting teachers to work side-by-side with staff from community organizations. But we need to make radical change to yield radically improved results in student achievement, and to help kids develop skills for a lifetime of problem-solving and creative thinking.

Recent Congressional action demonstrates growing support for giving students more time and multiple ways to learn. The Senate Appropriations Committee has proposed to increase the major federal after-school funding stream – 21st Century Community Learning Centers – by $100 million, to $1.266 billion. The House is proposing to increase funding for 21CCLC by $35 million. These Congressional actions reflect the growing body of research which shows that high-quality out-of-school learning initiatives support higher student achievement and development of the whole child.

Currently 21CCLC funds may be granted by states to community organizations as well as to schools. We believe the best way forward – and the only way to bring more learning time to scale at a cost public funding can sustain – is for schools to partner with community organizations to enrich and re-design the school day and year. It would be a major setback for America’s children to undermine the importance of community organizations in 21CCLC. Given that they prioritize keeping kids safe and engaged for the full time-span of 3 to 6 PM, their involvement is critical to working parents. We also encourage Congress to consider creating incentives for Title I funds to be used to expand school time through school-community partnership models.

• Schools that expand learning time should partner with community organizations.
• Community organizations have a right to apply for 21CCLC funds.
• States and localities will have flexible choice in how they deploy 21CCLC.

The evidence is compelling that the social, emotional and other supports community organizations offer students contribute significantly to their cognitive growth and academic success. New York’s great settlement houses and community agencies have been pushing kids up the ladder since the days of Ellis Island. They know how to deliver what kids and families need to move ahead.

The best expanded learning time approaches will embrace and build on what effective after-school programs have accomplished for kids and families through genuine, fully integrated school and community partnerships.