CLEVELAND — Gov. Mike DeWine announced 299 organizations received federal funding through a program that helps community learning centers to provide academic help, especially to students located in high-poverty, low-performing areas. 

What You Need To Know

  • Organizations have to hit three requirements to be eligible for the funding

  • ODE said 142 of the organizations receiving funding for the first time, and 157 grantees received continuation funding

  • 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program helps provide funding to "school districts, schools, community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, city or county government agencies, for-profit corporations and other public or private entities" according to the Ohio Department of Education

21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program helps provide funding to "school districts, schools, community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, city or county government agencies, for-profit corporations and other public or private entities" according to the Ohio Department of Education. 

DeWine said the Department has awarded more than $53.9 million of grant funding available for Fiscal Year 2024. ODE said 142 of the organizations are receiving funding for the first time, and 157 grantees received continuation funding. 

“We are committed to making sure Ohio’s students have more opportunities to learn,” said DeWine in a press release. “These community partnerships are critical to providing students with strong after-school and summer programming that will help them thrive.” 

In order to be eligible for funding through the 21st CCLC program, all programs must hit the three requirements:

  • Assist students to meet state academic standards and provide academic enrichment
  • Provide an array of services to students, such as those that focus on social-emotional learning, youth development, physical health and more
  • Offer the student's adult family members opportunities for engagement in their children's education and educational development

“The 21st Century Community Learning Center grantees and their partners offer students opportunities outside of school to engage in high-quality enrichment activities that foster and support academic achievement and overall well-being,” said Dr. Chris Woolard, interim state superintendent of public instruction.  

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