Haywood County Schools applying for 21^st CCLC (21^st Century Community Learning Center After-school Program) Renewal. The Haywood County School District is presently completing a grant renewal for the 21^st Center Community Learning Center.

The Nita M. Lowery 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (21^st CCLC) program provides federal funding to establish or expand community learning centers. These centers provide students with opportunities for academic enrichment, youth development, and family support during non-school hours or during periods when school is not in session. Originally funded by direct grants from the U.S. Department of Education (ED), responsibility for the administration of this program was transferred to state education agencies under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (formally No Child Left Behind Act of 2001). Current guidelines for the administration of the 21^st CCLC grant can be found under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by Every Student Succeeds ACT (ESSA)[20 U.S. Code 6301].

The overarching goal of the 21^st CCLC program is to provide students-particularly students who attend schools in need of improvement- with academic enrichment opportunities and support services to help them meet state and local standards in the core content areas. The 21^st CCLC program goals are in alignment with the department’s Best for All strategic plan specifically by providing academic and non-academic supports so that all students can have a high-quality education.

Haywood County Schools has been a recipient of this grant for the past 10+ years. The after school program operates at Anderson Early Childhood Center, Haywood Elementary, Eastside Elementary, Sunny Hill Intermediate, Haywood Middle School, and Haywood High School, Monday- Thursday when school is in session. Students receive a healthy snack, hot meal, physical activity, academic and homework assistance, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, and club opportunities. The program has continually grown each year.

The grant is due April 1, 2024 at 11:59pm. Awards will be announced in July 2024. For more information about this program or review the grant application, please contact the Haywood County School office or Cedric Bunch, Director of Extended Learning at 731-432-0714 or 731-772-9613 extension 4041.