Montana Office of Public Instruction Superintendent Denise Juneau Announces Funding of the 21st Century Learning Centers

Superintendent Denise Juneau announced that the Office of Public Instruction http://www.opi.state.mt.us/ has awarded more than $5 million to schools and community groups to create or continue afterschool programs for Montana’s students at elementary, middle and high schools throughout Montana. Twelve new projects are funded for 2009-2010 joining the 58 projects currently in operation. "It is a great opportunity to be able to support 70 sites that benefit students, schools and communities," said Juneau.

A 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) offers programs and services
that benefits the educational and related health, social services, cultural and recreational needs of youth in Montana communities. These centers serve as safe and nurturing environments where children can participate in enriching activities during times when school is not in session – after school and, in some locations, during the summer. These programs are the result of dedicated partnership efforts between the school and community-based organizations to meet the unique needs of students, families and communities.

More than 12,000 students participated in OPI-funded afterschool programs during the prior year; an additional 4,650 children are anticipated to be served during the 2009-2010 school year. Superintendent Juneau expressed that the "outcomes in core academic studies and positive youth development enrich the lessons learned during the traditional school day."

OPI has supported 21st CCLC afterschool programs since 2002 with funds provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal program dollars have grown from $400,000 in 2002 to more than $5 million for 2009-2010. Please visit the Office of Public Instruction website at http://www.opi.mt.gov/21cent/grantees.html for a listing of schools and community based programs that received funding.