Title IV, Part B, Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Program, of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (20 U.S.C.7171-7176) recognizes
that improved student achievement occurs when communities implement programs
and strategies scientifically proven to be effective.
Program Description
This program supports the creation of community learning centers that
provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children,
particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The
program helps students meet state and local student 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.
Eligibility
Who May Apply: Awards are made to state education agencies. Local education agencies (LEAs) and
nonprofit organizations may apply to states for sub grants.
Formula grants are awarded to State educational agencies, which
in turn manage statewide competitions and award grants to eligible entities.
For this program, eligible entity means a local educational agency,
community-based organization, another public or private entity, or a consortium
of two or more of such agencies, organizations, or entities. States must give
priority to applications that are jointly submitted by a local educational
agency and a community-based organization or other public or private entity.
Consistent with this
definition of eligible entities, faith-based organizations are eligible to
participate in the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Program. Regulations are available governing the participation of faith-based organizations in Federal programs for which they are eligible to participate.
Types of Projects
Each eligible entity that receives an award from the state may use the
funds to carry out a broad array of before- and after-school activities
(including those held during summer recess periods) to advance student
achievement. These activities include:
Remedial education activities and academic enrichment learning programs, including those which provide additional assistance to student to allow the student to improve their academic achievement
Mathematics and science education activities
Arts and music
education activities
Entrepreneurial
education programs
Tutoring services,
including those provided by senior citizen volunteers, and mentoring programs
Programs that provide
after-school activities for English Learner (EL) students and that
emphasize language skills and academic achievement
Recreational
activities
Telecommunications and
technology education programs
Expanded library
service hours
Programs that promote
parental involvement and family literacy
Programs that provide
assistance to students who have been truant, suspended, or expelled to allow them to improve their academic achievement
Drug and violence
prevention programs
Character education
programs