Children's Forum Receives 21st Century Community Learning Centers Administrative Grant
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Children's Forum, a nonprofit organization that provides leadership, research, and advocacy to achieve high-quality and accessible early care and education and afterschool services for all children, has received notice that they will be awarded the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) administrative grant, which was competitively procured through the Florida Department of Education. Through the federally-funded grant, the Forum will provide training, technical assistance, monitoring and evaluation for 21st CCLC programs across the state.
The 21st CCLC programs provide educational afterschool services for students attending high poverty, low performing K-12 schools or community-based programs such as YMCAs. The focus of the program is for students to meet or exceed local and state standards in subjects including reading and math through expanded tutorial services and academic enrichment opportunities. Re-authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the No Child Left Behind Act, the 21st CCLC programs also provide youth development activities, drug and violence prevention programs, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education programs, art, music and recreation programs, counseling, and character education to enhance the academic component of the program.
"We are humbled yet excited to be given the opportunity to serve the Florida Department of Education and 21st CCLC programs in this capacity," said Phyllis Kalifeh, president and CEO of the Children's Forum. "Research confirms that children and youth in quality afterschool programs such as 21st CCLC perform better in school, are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and become productive citizens. In addition, they are less likely to get in trouble with the law, become involved with gangs and utilize drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, we look forward to working with our partners, the Florida Afterschool Network and the Florida Afterschool Alliance in achieving our mutual goals."
The 21st CCLC initiative is the only federal program that is dedicated to afterschool services. Funding for FY 2012 allowed 56,091 students to participate in 21st CCLC programs in Florida. However, that is only a small fraction of the 1,075,826 kids in Florida who are eligible to participate in a 21st CCLC program if more funding were available.
About the Children's Forum
The Children's Forum is a statewide, not-for-profit organization with an uncompromising vision to make Florida a state where children grow and thrive in quality environments and where families have access to information, resources, and options to assist them in their parenting roles. Through a broad array of programs, services, research and advocacy, the Forum is committed to achieving our vision and expanding opportunities for success.
Contact: Jenna Brown
Phone: 850-487-6344
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE Children’s Forum
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