21st Century Community Learning Center

Greater Gallatin United Way is a 21st Century Community Learning Center.

The purpose of the program is to establish or expand community learning centers that provide students with academic enrichment opportunities along with activities designed to complement the student's regular academic program.  Community learning centers must also offer families of these students literacy and related educational development.  Centers, which can be located in elementary or secondary schools or other similarly accessible facilities, provide a range of high-quality services to support student learning and development, including tutoring and mentoring, homework help, academic enrichment, and community service opportunities, as well as music, arts, sports, and cultural activities.  At the same time, centers help working parents by providing a safe environment for students during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center Act (Title IV, Part B, of ESEA as reauthorized by No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) provides funds to Local Education Agency's (LEA) and community-based organizations through a competitive grant process.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers provide opportunities for academic enrichment during non-school hours (before-school, after-school and summer) in a community learning center environment. Services reinforce and complement regular academic programs and offer literacy and educational development to families.

Award priority must be to eligible entities that propose to serve: a) students who primarily attend schools eligible for schoolwide programs; or (b) schools that serve a high percentage of students from low-income families/40 percent free and reduced-priced meals; and the families of students described in (a) or (b). Priority may also be given to applications submitted jointly by LEAs receiving funds under Title I, Part A, and community-based organizations or other public or private entities.

Greater Gallatin United Way invites you to learn more by clicking http://www.opi.state.mt.us/21Cent/