State of Montana Newsroom
Montana's 21st Century Community Learning Centers After School Programs Receive Successful Evaluations
Montana's 21st Century Community Learning Centers After School Programs Receive Successful Evaluations
July 22, 2020
HELENA—The Montana Office of Public Instruction announced the 2018-2019 State Evaluation for the federally awarded 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) programs shows programs made positive impacts on students, schools, and communities. The 21st CCLC grantees offer after school and summer programs. For the 2018-19 grant year, there were a total of 47 grantees with 110 centers that offered 21st CCLC programming. These centers served approximately 15,344 Montana students (10,082 during the school year and 5,262 in the summer). Centers served students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition to providing tutoring and homework help, programs offered activities related to STEM, art, sports, and academic enrichment.
The evaluation revealed that there is clearly a dual focus on academic enrichment and youth development at 21st CCLC programs. 89% percent offered health or physical fitness activities (target of 75% was met). Adult programming was available at 51% of centers. 100% achieved the Grant Management and Sustainability and Health and Safety indicators (target of 100% was met).
Many grantees saw improvements in the area of student academic achievement. They observed learning gains and improved academic achievement among students in the program, as well as improved homework and assignment completion for struggling students. Additionally, it was reported that students benefited from the alternative learning modalities which reinforced concepts learned in the classroom. Students demonstrated personal growth and increased maturity. The program’s safe, supportive environment helped students to gain confidence, leadership skills and increased engagement. Students also improved social-emotional skills, leading to more positive interactions and fewer behavior problems. A variety of engaging programming activities offered students with many opportunities they would not have the means to access. This exposure allowed students to explore and develop their interests, particularly in the areas of STEM, technology, and culinary arts.
Please visit the OPI’s website to view the evaluation brief, full report, and to learn more about the Office of Public Instruction’s 21st CCLC Programs.
CONTACT: Dylan Klapmeier
Director of Communications, Montana Office of Public Instruction
406-444-3559