The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has received $2.8 million dollars from the United States Department of Education to fund 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). The funds will be awarded through a competitive grant process based on the implementation of research-based academic improvement practices, through collaborative efforts, and meeting the grant criteria.
Authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), and as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the purpose of the 21st CCLC program is to establish or expand community learning centers that provide students with OUT OF SCHOOL academic enrichment activities designed to complement the students’ regular academic program. Community learning centers must also offer families of these students literacy and related educational opportunities. Centers can be located in elementary, secondary schools or other similarly accessible facilities. The proposed program must provide a safe environment for students when school is not in session.
Eligible entities are schools that serve a school attendance area in which not less than 40 percent of the children are from low-income families, based on the Free and Reduced Price Meal Eligibility Guidelines as reported on Student Information System Form 43, as of October 2002. Community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, public or private entities or a consortium of two or more of such agencies or organizations must ensure that the program was developed and will be carried out in an active collaborative effort with the eligible school the students attend.
ADE must give priority to applicants who both propose to serve students who attend schools identified for improvement (Section 1116 of Title I), submitted jointly between at least one LEA receiving funds under Title I, Part A and at least one public or private community organization.
The initial five-year grant award will be in the range of $50,000 to $150,000. The Request For Proposal (RFP) will be posted on the ADE website on or before October 10, 2002.
A public and voluntary technical assistance session will be held Thursday, October 10, 2002, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. at the University of Arkansas Extension Office Auditorium, 2301 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas. THE OCTOBER 10TH SESSION IS NOT A PREREQUISITE TO APPLY FOR 21ST CCLC FUNDING.
Those planning to attend the technical assistance session are requested to complete the attached registration form and return by October 8, 2002, to Dee Cox, Arkansas Department of Education, #4 Capitol Mall, Room 402A, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 or by fax at 501-682-9026. For additional information, please call Dee Cox at 501-682-4379.