Burmaster announces 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants

After-school programs that provide academic support and enrichment will share $3.75 million in federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grants.

"These 21st Century Community Learning Center programs provide after-school activities that support student learning," said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. "Annual performance reports on Wisconsin community learning centers show increased grades, improved school attendance, and decreased behavior problems for youth who attend these after-school programs."

The Department of Public Instruction awarded 19 grants for 45 new and continuing community learning centers that will serve students next fall. The competitive grants targeted funds to schools in which at least 50 percent or more of enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals based on family income. The 45 sites join a pool of 71 existing community-learning centers that serve more than 23,000 students annually. Combined, the 116 community learning centers will share almost $11 million in federal 21st Century Learning Center funding.

"The academic support and family outreach that community learning centers provide is an important part of our New Wisconsin Promise to close the achievement gap and ensure a quality education for every child," Burmaster said.

Additional information: http://www.dpi.wi.gov/eis/pdf/dpi2007_32.pdf

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Last updated on 4/30/2007