DMPS 21st Century Afterschool Program Honored

Des Moines Public Schools’ 21^st Century Community Learning Centers Afterschool program (21CCLC), which exists at 10 elementary and middle schools, received second place out of 66 entries in the 2011 Outstanding Community and School Partnership Award competition sponsored by the Iowa Network for Community and School Partnerships.

The 21CCLC program has been in existence since 2007 and provides academic assistance, educational enrichment and family literacy to students and families at Callanan Middle School, Carver Elementary School, Goodrell Middle School, Harding Middle School, Hiatt Middle School, Hoyt Middle School, McCombs Middle School, Meredith Middle School, Moulton (K-8), and Weeks Middle School. The program is funded by a grant from the Iowa Department of Education.

“Exceptional community partnerships and strong program implementation have made the 21^st Century Community Learning Centers program at DMPS a leader in the state of Iowa,” said Heidi Brown, 21CCLC district grant coordinator. “We understand the value of partnerships with the community and we recognize the unique resources that can be shared through those partnerships. Our staff works every day to provide enriching opportunities for our students during out of school time.”

Over 8,400 students have been served through the 21CCLC program since 2007. The program bridges the gap between school, family, and community and provides a comprehensive support system to help youth succeed academically and socially. After school activities include daily educational enrichment activities, family literacy classes, and service learning projects which require volunteering in the community.

Governor Terry Branstad and Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass presented the award to the 21CCLC staff at the Iowa Association of School Boards annual convention in November where they also received a $500 cash award.