21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program (21st CCLC) is federally funded (Title IV, Part B) awarded to public school corporations, charter schools, community-based organizations, public/private organizations, FBOs whose programming is secular, or a consortium of these organizations to provide youth with a safe environment during non-school hours.
This program fosters the development of community learning centers that offer academic enrichment opportunities for youth, especially those from high-poverty and underperforming schools. It serves as a supplemental initiative to support and strengthen efforts to boost student academic performance, helping youth excel on local and state assessments. The program aids students in meeting state and local academic standards in core subjects, provides a wide range of enrichment activities that support their social, emotional, and behavioral growth, and delivers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating youth.
MSD of Pike Township
CIESC has partnered with the MSD of Pike Township to manage its after-school programs for 15 years. During that period, we served over 5,000 elementary, middle, and high school students. Our current programs (Cohort 10 and Cohort 11) serve Central, Eastbrook, Deer Run, Guion Creek, and Snacks Crossing elementary students. We also serve 9th-12th-grade students at Pike High School.
Program Details
Our programs include tutoring, homework assistance, and enrichment activities such as mentoring, STEM, Art, Music, Physical fitness, and social-emotional learning. These activities reinforce what happens during the school day and work collaboratively with school staff to better support youth and achieve positive student outcomes. We also create and expand out-of-school programs that offer extended learning opportunities for youth and their families.
As afterschool program teachers, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth in our students. Beyond just homework completion, we’ve seen them blossom. Our STEM lessons ignite curiosity and problem-solving skills, while computer science fosters critical thinking and digital literacy. Crucially, our SEL focus builds resilience and empathy, equipping them to navigate challenges with confidence. We’ve seen shy students find their voice, struggling learners discover their potential, and a community built on collaboration and mutual respect. It’s a privilege to witness their academic and personal development firsthand.Robin Smith
Media Specialist and Teacher Liaison
Guion Creek Elementary