The Virginia Department of Education is awarding 28 grants to fund new 21st Century Community Learning Centers in 19 school divisions. The grants range from $50,000 to $200,000 and promote equitable educational opportunities for students by supporting tutoring and enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs.

Community learning centers operate before and after school, during school breaks, Saturdays, and during summer vacation. The centers also provide educational services for families of participating children.

Applicants for the grants, including school divisions and community-based organizations, were encouraged to consult with parents, non-profits, businesses, arts and cultural organizations, and youth development agencies to develop their applications and programs.

“Well-designed community programs support the efforts of teachers and schools to improve outcomes for students and engage families in the learning process,” Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said. “I thank all of the applicants, school divisions and community-based partners, for promoting equity by providing these additional learning opportunities for our students and their families.”

Among those receiving grants for 2019-20 was Buckingham County Elementary School.

The department is also continuing funding of 87 programs that received initial grants in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015.

Additional information about the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is available on the VDOE website. Details about applying for the next grant competition will be announced in February 2020.