The 21st Century program is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, expanded learning environment in high need schools. These are schools where a large percentage of students qualify for the federal Free and Reduced Price Lunch (F&RPL) based on family income. The ECUC schools have received funding to implement its CDE approved Program Plan for five, one year grants, subject to the appropriations from the federal government for the program. The 2022-2023 school year is the 4th year of the five-year grant cycle.
The program is required to operate between 6:30 am and 6:00 pm (during the school year) to support working family members and parents who attend school. The expanded learning activities provided during the program are aligned with school day subjects and the California Common Core State Standards (CCSS) which are used to measure student academic performance.
The grant funding also provides six weeks of expanded learning activities on days when school is not in session during the school year and during summer. Summer programs operate for 7.5 hours per day with some schools providing optional childcare for a fee after the program ends until 6:00 pm as the grant does not pay for the additional care.
Family literacy services are also included in the grant. These activities are offered in collaboration with the school and community partners to promote educational opportunities for all family members. The activities can be included in school parent meetings or at special events.