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21st Century Community Learning Grants

The Illinois State Board of Education today released the list of eighteen school districts and community organizations across the state that will receive more than $5 million in federal grant money. These grants assist schools with a high poverty population and low academic performance.

The grants are part of the 21st Century Community Learning Center program funded by the federal “No Child Left Behind” act. Grant money is used to provide students and their families with opportunities to learn new skills and abilities during after school programs. The programs focus on expanding academic enrichment that helps students meet local and state academic standards in subjects such as reading and math.

“The grant funds offer exciting educational opportunities to help students become successful learners in the regular classroom setting,” said State Superintendent of Education Robert E. Schiller. “Mentoring and tutoring programs help students gain the confidence they need to raise their academic performance.”

The grants are also used for youth development activities, drug and violence prevention programs, technology education programs, art, music, and recreation programs, counseling and character education to enhance student learning.

The grants are competitive and public schools, public university laboratory schools, charter schools, area vocational centers, community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and public private entities are eligible to apply for the funds. Regional Offices of Education or Intermediate Service Centers also may apply for funding to coordinate and carry out activities for agencies.

21st Century Grants