School system reapplying for 21st CCLC grant

Glynn County Schools hopes to again be the recipient of a grant that will provide funds to support after-school programming and academic enrichment for students.

Glynn County Schools will apply for the 21st CCLC (Century Community Learning Center) Grant in hopes of receiving another five years of funding.

The grant is intended to help students in need of additional academic assistance in kindergarten through fifth grade who attend Altama Elementary, Burroughs-Molette Elementary and Goodyear Elementary schools. An additional application will be submitted to serve sixth grade students attending Glynn Middle, Jane Macon, Needwood and Risley Middle schools.

Glynn County previously received the grant in 2019. Its funding will end this summer.

The funds have been put to good use, said Kelly Howe, learning loss coordinator for Glynn County Schools.

“The funds have been used for an afterschool program as well as a seven-week summer program for K-5 students in need of additional academic assistance at Altama, Burroughs-Molette and Goodyear,” Howe said. “We have partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia, so students are transported to the B&G Club after they receive tutoring services at their school.”

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 established the 21st CCLC program and gave administrative responsibility to states. Federal funds are appropriated through Georgia’s annual budget for the program.

The 21st Century After School Enrichment program aims to provide local flexibility through the establishment or expansion of community learning centers that provide students in grades K-6 with academic enrichment opportunities.

Activities are designed to complement a student’s regular academic program, literacy and related educational development services for the families of the students and offer a safe environment for students participating in the programs.

“We would like to continue to be able to offer afterschool and summer tutoring/enrichment at these three elementary schools and our partnership with the B&G Club,” Howe said. “We are also seeking to expand the program to include sixth grade students at all four middle schools.”

The program will provide tutoring to help students meet state standards in reading and math and youth development activities that will improve student behavior in school and in after school settings. It also offers families of participating students opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in the education of their children, Howe said.

“It will definitely be a community effort with the schools, B&G Club and parents working together for the benefit of the students,” she said.