The purpose of the 21st CCLC supplemental funding is to create Summer Learning Programs that provide an extended-year (summer) learning opportunity that focuses on improving academic achievement of students and decreasing summer learning loss. Projects are expected to provide youth with skills and knowledge to navigate an educational path, develop job skills, understand personal financial management, and gain career development skills.
Eligible organizations must use funds to offer activities during the summer that provide opportunities for academic achievement which includes providing instructional services to help students, particularly students who attend low-performing schools. These services must meet State and local student academic achievement standards in core academic subjects, such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Funding may be used for the following purposes:
- Educational Achievement
- College Readiness
- Workforce Advancement.
In FY 2019, MSDE identified the following priorities:
- Comprehensive Support and Improvement Schools (lowest 5% of the Title I schools; high schools with graduation rates less than 67%; and School Improvement Grant (SIG) IV schools and/or;
- Title I schools that serve a high percentage ( at least 40 percent) of students from low-income families and/or;
- Other schools determined by the local educational agency to be in need of intervention and support.
Each eligible entity that receives 21st CCLC funding may use the award funds to carry out a broad array of activities that advance student academic achievement, and support student achievement. Such activities include the following: