State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Announces the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Competition
HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is hosting four information sessions on the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Competition. Qualifying public and nonpublic schools and community programs will receive federal grant awards between $70,000 and $250,000 a year for five years. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Montana Office of Public Instruction receives funding that is sub-granted to local communities through a competitive process. 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
“This grant is a great opportunity for our Montana students and families to enrich their learning outside of the classroom,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Community and family involvement in the learning process leads to higher student success. I encourage all of our schools and community organizations to apply for this grant to help put our Montana students first!”
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Title IV Part B, grant competition will open in December 2022. In preparation for the competition, Program Manager Michelle Cusey will be holding public meetings to discuss the eligibility of applicants and the intent to apply information. The schedule and location for the meetings are:
- October 4, 2022- SpringHill Suites Great Falls, 421 3rd St NW, Great Falls, MT 59404
- October 5, 2022- Butte Archives, 17 W Quartz St, Butte, MT 59701
- October 6, 2022- Hilton Garden Inn Billings, 2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102
- October 15, 2022- Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino, 49708 US-93, Polson, MT 59860
Each meeting will start at 4:00 PM with a brief overview of the grant and time for questions and answers.
For up-to-date information regarding this application process, and to access important grant guidance documents, please visit http://opi.mt.gov/Leadership/Academic-Success/After-School-Programs or contact Michelle Cusey at Michelle.Cusey@mt.gov or (406) 431-3029.
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