News & Events
Pennsylvania 2011-12 – more than 23,000 youth participated in 21st CCLC programs
Of utmost concern to parents, student, providers and friends of afterschool and summer learning programs is the proposed elimination of 21st CCLC, presently the only federal program dedicated to proving students in grades preK-12 with quality enrichment, academic programming and a wide range of student support during the hours when school is out, including afterschool, weekends, holidays and over the summer. The Afterschool Alliance is concerned with Senator Alexander’s proposed draft ESEA bill and instead recommends reauthorization of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Without a separate funding stream specifically targeting learning outside the school day, essential learning opportunities that are helping more than 1.5 million young people better prepare for college, careers and life will disappear.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) represents a broad category that includes critical activities and outcomes for OST staff and students. Quality STEM programming can enhance students’ academic achievement, skill development, career access and life-long STEM literacy.