21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.

These programs, funded through the US Department of Education, help students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

In Oklahoma, 21st Century Community Learning Centers are making a positive impact on kids in almost 100 communities throughout the state. The Oklahoma State Department of Education administers the grants and coordinates activities.

Click here to visit the Oklahoma SDE 21st CCLC webpage.

In Vinita, Project LINK serves approximately 70 middle-school and high school students, creating apprenticeship opportunities by partnering with local businesses. The program gives students an opportunity to develop job skills and exposes them to professions they might consider continuing after high school. Download the case study here.

In Commanche, KIDSPLACE employs a mini-camp approach that utilizes community experts. These experts volunteer in areas in which they have a special interest, aptitude, skill or passion, leading the students in fun and experiential sessions. Download the case study here.

ELT: Expanding and Enriching Learning Time for All

In this Policy Brief, The After School Corporation (TASC) proposes that policy makers should support initiatives not only to extend the school day or year, but also to expand the way students learn through enrichments and diverse activities tailored to each school’s needs.

Schools can support expanded learning programs through multiple funding streams including federal Title I, Title III, AmeriCorps and 21st Century Community Learning Centers, tax levies, magnet funds, per pupil allocations and local and state funding streams.

21st Century Community Learning Centers

Click to download this factsheet and learn more about the statewide 21stCCLC programs in Oklahoma.

Research Update: 21st CCLC-Funded Afterschool Programs

This research update from the Harvard Family Research Project focuses on evaluations and research studies of 21st CCLC programs.