Seventeen entities will host the 21st Century Community Learning Centers for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The 21st Century grants establish community learning centers across the territory that will assist learning and development for school-age children and their families during out-of-school time. This program is authorized under Title IV, Part B of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act,and allocations for each state are based upon the state’s student enrollment, according to a press release from Education Commissioner Dr. La Verne Terry. The selected grantees are:
Continuing Programs – originally funded in 2008
1. EXCEL PROGRAM: The Boys and Girls Club of the VI
2. St. Croix Central High School/The Village
3. Eulalie Rivera Elementary School
4. Addelita Cancryn Junior High School
5. Beacon Schools Expansion Project
6. Project H.O.P.E., Inc.
7. Christchurch Methodist Education and Outreach Services, Inc.: Project Hope
8. Wesley Methodist Education Complex
New Programs for 2009
1. Inter-island Parent Coalition for Change Inc.: Project ABC
2. University of the Virgin Islands: University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities
3. St. Andrew’s Seek and Serve Outreach, Inc.
4. Charlotte Amalie High School
5. Guy Benjamin Elementary School
6. Sun Island Studies
7. AZ Academy
8. St. Croix Animal Welfare Center
9. Citrus Learning Center Inc.
The programs will help to address the needs of a cross-section of the community and will offer a wide range of academic enrichment and recreational activities for school aged children.
In order to be funded, each applicant submitted an application to Education, which was rated by independent evaluators, who scored applications based on their ability to successfully outline a program during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The programs are intended to help students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math. Applicants must offer students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offer literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
To learn more about the 21st Century Program, contact Jamila Haynes, Federal Grants program manager, at 774-0100, ext. 8029.