The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to supporting local after-school, before-school, and summer learning programs. The program serves nearly 2 million youth, through grants awarded by state education agencies.

Programs support:

• Academic enrichment activities that can help students meet state and local achievement standards.

• A broad array of additional enrichment services designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program, such as: drug and violence prevention programs, career and technical programs, counseling programs, art, music programs, STEM programs, and physical activity and nutrition education programs.

• Literacy and related educational development services to the families of children who are served in the program.