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Funds to support local students in out-of-school programs
United Way of Central Minnesota will receive $820,088 a year for the next three years, with the possibility for a three-year extension, through a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) Cohort 9 Grant. These federal and state funds support students enrolled in afterschool and out-of-school programming at St. Cloud Technical High School, St. Cloud Apollo High School, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School and St. Cloud North Junior High School.
21CCLC sites coordinate enrichment opportunities for students during non-school hours and when school is not in session, and reinforce the efforts of community partners who engage learners with programs that unleash potential, build skills and nurture lifelong success. In Central Minnesota, 21CCLC Cohort 9 funding builds on programming started in 2019. Over 20 community partners will engage with area students and provide diverse, out-of-school programming that fosters confidence, develops career and college readiness skills and helps students meet state and local academic standards in core areas like reading and math. This work also supports the caring adults in young people’s lives, recognizing the crucial role they have in student’s ongoing academic, social and emotional success.
Clarinda Solberg, United Way’s 21CCLC director, says this funding will bring lasting impact to Central Minnesota. “Not only will these grant dollars support young people during out-of-school time, but will be strategically invested to support a larger vision of equitable educational outcomes for our region.”
