ECS  |  CeRTS  |  IWAS | Teachers  | Students  | Administrators   | Student Assessment  | IL Learning Standards  | Programs | Forms | Glossary Skip over navigation

Local Agencies Receive 21st Century Grants

Springfield – Thirty-five local agencies will receive 21st Century Community Learning Center grants under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The funds, which total $11,539,200 statewide, will provide low-income students with high-quality, after-school programs that focus on academics, especially in reading and mathematics.

Community Learning Center grants primarily will serve students who attend schools with at least a 40 percent population from low-income families. Academic assistance must focus on reading and mathematics and concentrate on the Illinois Learning Standards and locally developed standards in core subject areas that complement the regular academic program.

These after-school programs are designed to motivate struggling students and provide them with a positive learning experience,” said State Superintendent of Education Robert E. Schiller. “The goal is that if these students do well in after-school programs, they also will show improvement during their regular school day.”

After-school programs will offer tutoring, mentoring and help with homework. In addition, students can participate in music, art and recreation and have access to counseling and information on drug and violence prevention.

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

The State Board of Education worked closely with the Governor’s Task Force for After School Programs and the Department of Human Services to develop guidelines for high-quality, research based after-school programs. The State Board assembled a team of educators to review applications using those guidelines.

A total of 157 applications were received for the FY03 funding. Requests for proposals for FY04 funding will be released in March.