Every young person should have access to a high-quality out-of-school time experience.
21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) provide high quality programing to a diverse group of children grades pre-K to 12th grade in communities nationwide.
This initiative is currently the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to out of school time education programs.
11.3 million school-age children are home without adult supervision after school. Cutting or eliminating funding for 21st Century Learning Centers would have a devastating impact nationwide.
Currently, youth spend more time out of school than in, making quality and impactful out of school time (OST) an economic, moral and national imperative for our country. 21st CCLC programs provide essential support to closing existing educational opportunity and achievement gaps for underserved students.
In 2018, 212 Boys & Girls Clubs in 48 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico received 21st CCLC funding for 565 sites. This competitive grant provides crucial resources in local communities across the country and establishes support systems youth need for their success.
As a leader in the out-of-school time space, Clubs meet the needs of local communities across the country, keeping young people safe, providing opportunities for improving academic success, and building character and leadership skills, which helps increase youth resiliency and reduces high-risk activity.