Buckeye Reporter

On Aug. 15, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that 299 grantees have been awarded federal funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program, which aims to provide enrichment opportunities for students returning to school, with a focus on academic enrichment, youth development programs, and support for families. The Ohio Department of Education awarded $53,928,013.60 in funding for Fiscal Year 2024, benefiting various programs and partnerships across Ohio to help students thrive.

“We are committed to making sure Ohio’s students have more opportunities to learn,” said Gov. DeWine in an Aug. 15 press release. “These community partnerships are critical to providing students with strong after-school and summer programming that will help them thrive.”

According to Spectrum News 1, $33.3 million in funding will be provided through the Ohio Department of Education's Stronger Connections Grant to 747 schools and districts across the state to create safer and healthier learning environments. This initiative aligns with the Future Forward Ohio program, which prioritizes helping students recover from the pandemic's impact. The grant awards are divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 based on health and safety considerations.

The Ohio Department of Education's Office of Future Forward Ohio has compiled its fourth 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) External Community Partnership Listing. This listing seeks to facilitate the development of potential partnerships with existing and future 21st CCLC programs, which provide learning opportunities beyond regular school hours.

According to the program's website, the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program is designed to support economically disadvantaged children attending low-performing schools. The grant is open to school districts, schools, community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, government agencies, corporations, and other entities. Administered by the Ohio Department of Education's Office for Improvement and Innovation, the program offers high-quality out-of-school and expanded learning time opportunities. Recent flexibility permits the use of 21st CCLC funds for expanded learning during the school day, week, or year.