MADISON — Community learning sites across Wisconsin will have the opportunity to better support students and communities with improved out-of-school time opportunities thanks to funding allocation increases announced today by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
The DPI recently allocated $730,000 in federal grant funding to support 101 program sites through Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, a vital program that provides essential academic enrichment during non-school hours. This additional funding, an increase for current grantees/sites, was allocated through the LightBULB (Building Unity through Learning and Belonging Fund) and will focus on critical areas of improvement, including expanding targeted literacy and mathematics support, addressing transportation challenges, fostering a greater sense of belonging for students, and strengthening family engagement. These investments aim to enhance student outcomes and create more inclusive, accessible learning opportunities for both children and their families.
“Federal funding through programs like the 21st CCLC is absolutely essential to ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning experiences,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “These investments provide academic support to both bridge gaps and extend learning, while also supporting families and empowering communities – equipping students with the tools they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom. Federal programs like these are crucial to Wisconsin’s future.”
A list of grantees receiving additional funding can be found on the DPI’s website. The 21st CCLC’s engage hundreds of community partners across Wisconsin, including law enforcement, businesses, youth serving agencies, government entities, and higher education agencies. These partnerships create meaningful opportunities and provide valuable resources to students who might not otherwise have access. In addition to student programming, 21st CCLC sites offer a variety of activities for adult family members, helping them become more engaged in their children’s education while also supporting personal skill development. Programs for adults include financial literacy, parenting classes, language instruction, employment resources, and more.
During the 2023-24 school year, over 19,000 students across Wisconsin benefited from 21st CCLC services. On average, students enrolled in these programs received an additional 495 hours of academic support and enrichment – equivalent to 69 extra school days.
To be eligible for funding through this program, schools must be Title I Schoolwide eligible, serving a high percentage of students who are economically disadvantaged. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to providing academic support and access to opportunities for students in need. More information about the 21st CCLC Program and its impact on Wisconsin can be found on the DPI’s website.
