21ST CCLC OVERVIEW:
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers are federally funded programs supported by the New Jersey Department of Education for out-of-school-time programs in NJ, which include those that take place before school, after school, on Saturdays, and in the summer.
WHAT IS 21ST CCLC?
Under Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) 2015, 21st CCLC are centers that provide opportunities for academic, enrichment, including providing tutorial services to help students meet the challenging state academic standards. The centers also offer a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities in such areas as youth development, service learning, fitness and wellness, technology, visual and performing arts, financial literacy, mathematics, science, career and technical to name a few.
WHAT IS THE INTENT OF THE LEGISLATION?
According to the legislation, the 21st CCLC program is intended to 1) assist students to meet the challenging state academic standards by providing them with academic enrichment, 2) offer a broad array of activities during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session, and 3) offer families of students served by the centers the opportunity for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education that includes literacy, math, arts, and science initiatives.
WHAT ARE THE CORE SERVICES?
The core services must reflect a commitment to promoting knowledge, skills, and understanding through enriching, hands-on, creative opportunities that do not extend but compliment the school day/year. Services may include but are not limited to cultural programs, library services, life skills training for students with disabilities, core subject tutorial, homework help, STEAM skills building, and activities in the area of CTE (career and technical education).