New Statement on 21stCCLC

Recently the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee passed a $100 million proposed increase for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program which funds before- and after-school and summer learning programs in low-income communities. With this proposed increase, the Committee also included language that would allow 21st CCLC funds to be used for an expanded school day. The partner intermediaries in the Collaborative for Building After-School Systems (CBASS) have stated publicly in a sign-on letter to House Education Committee Chairman George Miller their support for extended/expanded school-day and year models if the following conditions are met for 21CCLC:

• Strong community partnerships are required;
• Community organizations continue to have the right to be the lead agency and manage programs; and
• The choice about which model to select is entirely a local decision.

The Partnership for Children and Youth and CBASS have developed a new sign-on letter directed to Senate and House Appropriations Members requesting they amend the current Appropriations bill language to:

• Better ensure local choice;
• Ensure expanded-day models build on the best of after school knowledge and practice; and
• Ensure that high quality after school is preserved.

To sign on to the letter or receive more information, contact Jennifer Peck.