The 21st Century Community Learning Center Program

This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly those who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

The program has served 102,000 students in West Virginia since 2004 and there are currently 158 sites operating around the state.  21st Century Community Learning Center programs are delivered before school, after school, and during the summer months.

The West Virginia Department of Education makes competitive local grants (based on available federal funding) to eligible organizations to support the implementation of community learning centers that will assist student learning and development.  Eligible applicants are:

• public and private agencies,
• city and county governmental agencies,
• faith-based organizations,
• institutions of higher education, and
• for-profit corporations.

Information regarding the application process can be found in FAQ section of this website. If you have questions or need further information regarding West Virginia's 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, feel free to contact us.