DOE Announces Four New 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Commissioner of Education Lucille E. Davy today announced that four new 21st Century Community Learning Centers have opened. The centers are sharing $2 million in federal funds to assist more than 750 students who live in high poverty areas with academic, health and physical activity, artistic and cultural enrichment during out-of-school hours.

“These centers add a dimension to our efforts to keep students in school and to ensure that all students obtain the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in a 21st century world,” Commissioner Davy said.

The four new centers are operated by the Easter Seals of New Jersey in Keansburg; Passaic City Public Schools; Red Bank Public Schools; and Salem County Vocational School.

Currently, forty-six 21st Century Community Learning Centers serve approximately 10,000 students in New Jersey. In order to qualify for a federal grant, schools either must receive Title I funding for schoolwide programs or enroll a minimum of 30 percent of its student population from low-income families. Of the schools now operating, 32 will reach the end of their funding cycle by June 30, 2009. The remaining 14 centers will continue to be eligible funding through August 31, 2012.

All centers must have activities that cover all of the following six components: academic enrichment, cultural and artistic, positive youth development, health and physical activity, character education and parental involvement. In addition, the centers must offer literacy and other educational services to the families of the participating students.

For more information about 21st Century Community Learning Centers, visit: http://www.state.nj.us/education/21cclc.