21st century grants expand learning opportunities for CCSD scholars

Learning does not stop when the afternoon bell rings for dismissal. That is why Charleston County School District’s Office of Expanded Learning pursues funding through a federal grant program, 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC). The 21st Century grants support academic enrichment through after-school opportunities for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty schools.

The 21st CCLCs help students meet state standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math, provides students a broad array of enrichment activities that complement their regular academic programs, and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

This year, the Office of Expanded Learning applied for and received three 21st Century grants for a total of four schools; Angel Oak Elementary School, Edith L. Frierson Elementary School, Mount Zion Elementary School, and W.B. Goodwin Elementary School. A fifth school, Mary Ford Elementary, will be supported by a 21st Century grant received by the non-profit organization Charleston Promise Neighborhood.

The four-year grants provide $200,000 in funding for the first year Combining all 21st CCLC grants involving CCSD schools, including those sponsored by Wings for Kids and CPN, the District receives over $2 million in support annually.

In the 2018-20198 school year, CCSD will have 15 elementary schools receiving 21st CCLC funding, which is the most in the state of South Carolina by any school district. An estimated 170 schools statewide are supported by these grants.