21st Century Community Learning Centers

Michigan’s Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program is authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. The purpose of 21st CCLC program is to provide federal funds to support the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during out-of-school time hours, particularly for students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local academic 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. Strong connections between schools and out of school time programs, along with strong community collaboration, are crucial to the success of these 21st CCLC programs.