The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) offers grant-funded afterschool and summer programs for 1,500 high needs students in 25 District elementary schools, funded by five 21st CCLC grants. The focus is to provide expanded academic enrichment opportunities for children attending Title 1 eligible schools. The 21st CCLC grant is authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. The 21st CCLC 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.

For more information contact Dr. Cynthia George, 21st CCLC Grant Manager at (561) 357-1851 or cynthia.george@palmbeachschools.org.

21st Century Community Learning Centers give students the opportunity to learn through Project Based Learning. The following are reasons why Project Based Learning is beneficial:

The largest Project Based Learning that incorporates a Service Learning Project is the Edible Garden. Students participate in a unique outdoor classroom setting designed to provide hands-on, experiential learning as they learn about the steps involved in planting, nurturing and harvesting a vegetable garden. They are responsible for preparing a garden area and planting an Edible Garden. 21st CCLC Afterschool Program students continue to maintain their gardens. They have also prepared recipes using vegetables they planted. The students are very proud of their gardens as they continue to watch them grow.