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Lights On Afterschool Day recognizes importance of learning outside of the classroom

Roseville, MN- Today, October 26, is the 18th annual Lights on Afterschool Day, a national celebration of the role afterschool programs play in the lives of youth, families and communities. 

“Learning doesn’t stop for students when the bell rings at the end of the school day,” said Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. “Kids need access to high-quality learning environments outside of the classroom and over the summer. Using this time wisely is a great approach to shrinking achievement gaps, and I am glad to see so many schools and organizations coming together to create opportunities for our students.”

Many afterschool programs are funded by the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which recently awarded $7 million in grants to Minnesota schools and organizations. Fourteen grant recipients were selected from 55 applications using a peer review process, with priority given to programs that serve students attending underperforming schools. The initial grant is for a three-year period of September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2020, subject to availability of funds from the United States Department of Education and contingent on satisfactory annual performance of the grantee. This round of awardees joins 13 programs in Minnesota already operating under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program.

“The 21^st Century Community Learning Centers are offering a wide variety of opportunities to students in every corner of Minnesota,” said Commissioner Cassellius. “From theater, to science and technology, to tutoring, and summer camps — these programs are expanding activities for their students and communities in unique ways.”

Pine Point School District
Pine Point Elementary, located in a relatively isolated rural area, is the “hub” of the community, acting as the central facility for students and families to gather for educational, recreational and cultural events. Through the establishment of an afterschool learning center, the district plans to provide resources and enrichment opportunities that are not currently available. The presence of a 21st Century Learning Center will allow for increased resource sharing, improving the effectiveness of current efforts. The Pine Point School will work collaboratively with White Earth Mental Health, White Earth Police Department, the University of Minnesota Extension office, and other local agencies and community programs. These programs have educational programming vital to the education of the whole child, which in turn, contributes to the well-being of the entire community. 

McGregor Public Schools with Something Cool, Inc.
McGregor Public Schools and Something Cool, Inc. will jointly offer before school, after school, release day and summer supports to students and their families within the McGregor school district, a geographic area encompassing 900 square miles in rural northern Minnesota. Geography is a large obstacle to providing services, cultural experiences, and amenities. The 21st Century Community Learning Center will create space to begin morning check-in, afterschool homework help,  one-on-one tutoring, study groups, summer reading activities, and summer academic booster day camp. Enrichment services to be offered create exposure to opportunities not otherwise available in the community, including arts, science and technology, healthy life and independent living skills, environmental studies, career and college exploration, entrepreneurialism, and workforce preparation. These services, combined with multiple opportunities for civic engagement, will provide a launch pad for students as they graduate and pursue success as young adults. 

YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities Beacons Network
The Minneapolis Beacons Network has successfully provided high-quality afterschool and summer programming to Minneapolis public school children for nearly 20 years. The Minneapolis Beacons Network engages youth at 21st Century Community Learning Centers in high-need Minneapolis schools and neighborhoods. This collaboration has achieved unparalleled success as a citywide afterschool partnership, combining the knowledge, capacity, and areas of expertise of four different organizations in delivering quality services: the YMCA, the YWCA of Minneapolis, the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Twin Cities, and Minneapolis Community Education. Together, Beacons demonstrates what combined efforts can do to give youth the opportunity to grow their confidence, try new things, enhance their academic success, develop strong friendships, gain leadership opportunities, increase their physical activity, and enhance their sense of belonging in their schools and communities. 

School districts and organizations receiving initial grant funding in 2017

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