The purpose of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, first authorized as a national program in 1996, is to provide grants to schools, community-based, faith-based, and/or non-profit organizations as partners for the establishment of community learning centers to keep children safe in the after school hours. With the enactment of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 the administration of the distribution of funding for the 21st CCLC program has been devolved to the states. The overarching goal of the state administered program is to establish or expand community learning centers during non-school hours to provide students who attend schools eligible for Title I Schoolwide Program funds (i.e., 40% of students are eligible to receive free and reduced lunch) with academic enrichment opportunities and supportive services necessary to help them achieve academically and develop socially, emotionally, physically, and behaviorally.
The NCLB Act of 2001 recognizes that improved student achievement occurs when communities implement programs and strategies scientifically proven to be effective. The 21st CCLC program is an essential part of this initiative. Many communities across the State of Iowa are working together with new energy and inspiration to create a more positive future for their children and youth. Their focus is on constructive learning activities during non-school hours. With caring adult guidance, school and community-based academic and youth development programs result in greater achievement and social outcomes for children and youth.
Quality Before & After School Programs
Before and after school programs have the potential to make a
significant contribution to the following “Results for Iowa
Youth” in the positive development of all the state’s children
and youth:
All Iowa children and youth are healthy and socially
competent.
All Iowa children and youth succeed in school
All Iowa children and youth are prepared for productive
adulthood.
All youth have the benefit of safe and supportive families,
schools, and communities.
Quality before and after school programs can provide safe, engaging environments
that complement the school day by promoting learning to improve
student outcomes. While there is no one single formula for success
in afterschool programs, both practitioners and researchers have
found that effective programs combine academic, enrichment, cultural,
and recreational activities to guide learning and engage children and
youth in wholesome activities. They also find that the best programs
develop activities to meet the particular needs of the communities
they serve.
Types of Activities Found in Quality Before & After School Programs
Tutoring and supplementing instruction in basic skills, such as
reading, math, and science
Drug and violence prevention curricula and counseling
Youth leadership and character building activities
Volunteer and community service opportunities
College awareness and preparation
Homework assistance centers
Courses and enrichment in arts and culture
Computer instruction
Language instruction, including English as a second language
Employment preparation or training
Mentoring and service-learning
Activities linked to law enforcement
Supervised recreation and athletic programs and events
Looking at the spectrum of before and after school programs, researchers and
practitioners have identified some common elements necessary to
developing high quality programs that meet the needs of the diverse
population of school-age children and youth.
Common Elements of Quality Before & After School Programs
In addition to the desired results that focus the work, the
Common Elements listed below represent nationally recognized
standards on which quality afterschool programs are based. While
programs should be oriented toward achievement of the four (4)
result areas, the principles of quality programs should undergird
all program design.
The program is a combination of academic, enrichment, cultural,
and recreational activities that guide learning and engage children
and youth in wholesome activities.
Goal setting and strong management
Planning for long-term sustainability
Quality afterschool staffing
Attention to safety, health, and nutrition issues
Effective partnerships
Strong involvement of families
Extended learning opportunities
Linkages between school-day and afterschool personnel
Evaluation of program progress and effectiveness
Grant Program
Entities eligible to receive Iowa’s grant funds for a period of
five (5) years has been expanded to include local educational
agencies (LEAs), cities, counties, community-based
organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs),
non-profit organizations (NPOs), or a consortium of two
or more such agencies, organizations or entities. Applicants
are required to plan their programs through a collaborative
process that includes parents, youth, and representatives
of participating schools or local educational agencies,
governmental agencies (e.g, cities, counties, parks and
recreation departments), community organizations, and
the private sector.
Title Programs 
21st Century Community Learning Center Grants 2008-2013
21st Century Community Learning Center Grants 2008-2013