A 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant has provided funding for the creation of nine Wilkes County sites where students can get extra assistance in core academic subjects. The Wilkes County Board of Education and Wilkes County Community Partnership are the recipients of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant. This nationwide program was established by Congress to award grants to rural and inner-city public schools. 21st Century CLCs support the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children.

The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

Under the leadership of Project Director Michelle White, Wilkes County 21st Century CLCs began operation on November 17 at nine sites throughout the county. Students who are enrolled can receive additional academic support at all four public schools, Reese J. Booker A-STAR, Harper Street A-STAR, Washington Heights A-STAR, Baltimore A-STAR, and Tignall ASTAR.

Wilkes County boasts of having a very capable and dedicated staff to ensure successful implementation and sustainability for the 21st Century CLCs grant. The program staff consists of a youth coordinator, certified teachers, para-professionals, and homework support staff, who will provide structured academic and enrichment activities in one-onone or small group settings.

The grant aims to accomplish four goals which will all lead to increased academic scores and on-time graduation, but also reduce the number of students who become teenage parents or engage in juvenile delinquency. The goals are:

(1) Increase adult involvement with youth through a platform of safe, structured, and supervised activities.

(2) Improve academic performance through an academic enhancement and enrichment agenda that complements classroom instruction.

(3) Increase the children's affinity for school by implementing projectbased learning experiences and enrichment outside of core content areas (i.e. music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

(4) Increase parental involvement with their children which will center on school success.

Persons interested in enrolling children in the program should contact the child's school.