The Central Lee Community School District will receive $1,095,975 over the next five years through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) Grant Award.
The grant provides Title IV B funds to start model after-school programs in schools across Iowa. These grants are funded on a five-year grant cycle, with two years funded at 75 percent after a comprehensive site visit. As part of the program, each school’s community partnerships will provide initial support, with partnerships gradually sustaining these programs as the grant funding ends.
Central Lee currently offers Hawks’ Place, an after-school program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program has been funded through a portion of the district’s ESSER/COVID relief funding. As part of the 21CLC grant funding, Central Lee’s after-school program is projected to serve 245 elementary students.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the 21CLC Grant Award,” said Dr. Andy Crozier, Superintendent. “Having a fully funded after-school program will allow us to increase the number of students we serve, regardless of need. We look forward to working with our community partners to expand our after-school programming in the years to come.”
Schools are selected for the 21CLC grant based on a variety of factors, including student need, proposed program details, research supporting the program, and a plan to leverage community partnerships.
“This is a critical achievement for our school district,” said Angie Fransk, Curriculum Director. “We know offering an after-school program helps Central Lee provide safe, high-quality programming for all students regardless of their socioeconomic status. This gives our families another reason to choose Central Lee for their academic needs.”
For more information about the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, visit https://www.iowa21cclc.com/about-21cclc.