State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Announces Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Awardees
HELENA - Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is pleased to announce the awardees of the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Grant. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) receives funding that is sub-granted to local communities through a competitive process. Qualifying public and nonpublic schools and community programs will receive federal grant awards between $70,000 and $250,000 a year for five years. CCLC programs provide targeted students with opportunities for academic enrichment, personal enrichment, and other activities designed to complement the students’ regular academic program. These grant dollars connect learning programs before school, after school, and during the summer months for families that meet economic thresholds. These programs serve students and families through:
- academic support in reading and math
- music and art
- health and wellness
- technology and career development
- drug and violence prevention
- social skill development
“The focus of this grant is on math and reading, which are the foundation of academic achievement,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “This partnership between families, schools, and communities builds student success outside of the classroom. I appreciate all of the grant awardees for putting our Montana students first.”
Funds are awarded in full during the first three years of the grant. During the fourth year, CCLC funds will pay 80 percent of the original award. During the fifth and final year of the grant, CCLC funds will pay 70 percent of the original award. The diminution of funds in years 4 & 5 reflects the applicant’s commitment to sustaining the program. Awarded programs will receive funding July 1, 2024. The following programs have been awarded a 5-year 21st CCLC grant:
- Media Arts in Public Schools (MAPS) – Fort Belknap
- Regis School District
- Boys & Girls Club of Yellowstone County
- MAPS – Lewis & Clark
- Greater Gallatin United Way
- East Glacier Park Elementary
- Whitehall Elementary
- Sweet Grass Technical Institute
- Anaconda Elementary
- Bigfork ACES
- Plains K-12
- Billings Elementary
- Families First Learning Lab - Missoula /Polson