The South Carolina Department of Education recently awarded more than $10 million to school districts and programs through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grants. Charleston County School District’s (CCSD) Office of Expanded Learning received $720,000 this year, bringing the total they earn through the 21st Century grants to $1,573,600 annually. 

“By securing the 21st CCLC grant funds, our department can go into the underserved areas and offer quality afterschool programs that will benefit the students academically as well as socially and emotionally,” said Harold Sanders, Program Officer (21st Century).

Chicora Elementary, Goodwin Elementary, and Pinehurst Elementary all received 21st-century grants this year. A total of 10 CCSD schools and nearly 1,000 students are currently supported by this funding. The 21st Century grant program in CCSD is one of the largest in the state when it comes to funding and a number of students served. 

The CCLC programs create opportunities for students and families to position themselves for success in school, careers, relationships, and citizenship by providing programming that will expand academic instruction, and enrichment opportunities, and foster positive parental involvement. 

“We are so proud of our efforts to secure this important money for our community and our most underserved students,” said Jason Sakran, Director of Expanded Learning. “These grants expand opportunities to students who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to participate in a high quality after school program.” 

To learn how the grants will be implemented at CCSD schools, please contact Jason Sakran, Director of Expanded Learning, at (843) 402-7807. For more information about the 21st Century Community Learning Center program in South Carolina, contact Joyce Patterson, South Carolina Department of Education, Student Intervention Services Team Lead, at (803) 734-8291.