The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) last week announced more than $5.25 million in new 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants over a five-year period in Oklahoma. The 20 new recipients join 36 returning grantees for a total federally funded allocation of $13.5 million.

Two area school districts, including Maud and Varnum, are among the grantees. Maud received a grant of $278,736 and Varnum received $300,000.

“Schools and community partners are coming together to address learning gaps created because of disruptions to instruction during the pandemic,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “These grant recipients are dedicated to serving students beyond the school day with activities that keep young minds and bodies engaged.”

The 21st CCLC initiative provides learning opportunities and enrichment activities to complement school-day learning for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The grant funding helps students meet state and local academic performance standards, particularly in high-poverty areas and low-performing schools. Activities take place before and after school, on summer breaks and during school holidays.

In addition to reading, math and tutoring assistance, 21st CCLC programs offer enrichment activities including robotics, chess, debate, art, music, drama, science, college and career exploration, health and physical fitness. Literacy and other educational supports are also available to the families of students served.

Oklahoma received more than 50 21st CCLC grant applications this year. The 20 new grants give Oklahoma a total of 56 statewide grantees in over 100 sites. Other new grantees include:

Atoka Public Schools - $299,818

Cave Springs Public Schools - $236,384

Checotah Public Schools - $237,932

Hartshorne Public Schools - $299,993

Hominy Public Schools - $228,856

Kingfisher Public Schools - $295,500

Lukfata Public Schools - $214,078

Macomb Public Schools - $235,917

Miami Public Schools - $300,000

Minco Public Schools - $192,481

Sand Springs Public Schools - $300,000

Shawnee Public Schools - $300,000

Springer Public Schools - $152,110

Stigler Public Schools - $ 264,095

TOUCH Tulsa - $296,691

Westville Public Schools - $255,644

Union Public Schools - $300,00

Zion Public Schools - $260,901

Authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, 21st CCLC provides annual awards through a competitive application process to both school districts and community-based organizations.