Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Announces Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Awardees

• Brian O'Leary
• May 26 2023

HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is pleased to announce the awardees of the 21^st Nita M. Lowey 21^st 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. 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 opportunity for student learning extends beyond the classroom,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “This will enhance family and community support for academic success.”

Funds are awarded in full during the first three years of the grant. During the fourth year, Montana 21st CCLC funds will pay 80 percent of the original award. During the fifth and final year of the grant, Montana 21^st CCLC funds will pay 70 percent of the original award. This reflects the applicant’s commitment to sustaining the program locally. Awarded programs will receive the first year of funds on July 1, 2023. Programs were awarded amounts based on a sliding scale. Programs that scored higher received a larger percentage of the funds requested. Due to the sliding scale, OPI was able to fund additional programs to ensure that more students are served. The following programs have been awarded a 5-year 21^st CCLC grant: