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More than $16 Million Awarded to Maryland School Systems for Out-of-School Time Programs

Grants Awarded through Federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program

BALTIMORE- A total of 53 programs in 13 Maryland jurisdictions have been awarded $16.4 million in grants by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant program.

The 21st CCLC programs occur before school, after school, during the summer, and on Saturdays. Out-of-school time programs are designed to keep students safe, help working families and improve academic achievement.

The purpose of the 21st CCLC program is to create community learning centers that provide students with academic enrichment opportunities as well as additional services designed to complement their regular academic program. The grant provides opportunities for academic enrichment which includes providing instructional services to help students, particularly students who attend low-performing schools, meet State and local student academic achievement standards in core academic subjects, such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

The 21st CCLC programs offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities, such as: youth development and engagement activities, substance abuse and alcohol prevention, service-learning, violence prevention, counseling, art, music, recreation, and technology education.  Character education programs are also included to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students.

The grant targets students and families of students who attend Title I School-wide programs or schools that serve a high percentage (at least 40 percent) of students from low income families. The grant includes partnerships of eligible entities consisting of local school systems and/or community-based organizations or other public or private entities.

MSDE received 97 applications for the 21st CCLC program. Grants were awarded on a competitive basis in the following jurisdictions:

  • Anne Arundel County
  • Baltimore City
  • Baltimore County
  • Dorchester County
  • Frederick County
  • Howard County
  • Montgomery County
  • Prince George’s County
  • Queen Anne’s County
  • Somerset County
  • Washington County
  • Wicomico County
  • Worcester County

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