The Mississippi State Board of Education met Thursday and approved the distribution of $14.1 million in federal funds for the 21 Century Community Learning Center grants to eligible districts and organization for the 2017-2018 school year.
The 21st Century grants provide federal funding for the establishment of community learning centers that provide academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for students, particularly those who attend high-poverty, low-performing schools. Typically, these programs are offered after school.
In the grants awarded, 15 new community learning centers received funding totaling $10.4 million and 23 centers received continued funding at $3.7 million over three years.
Applicants went through a rigorous screening and evaluation process, and the Mississippi Department of Education offices of federal programs and grants management reviewed the final list of providers to ensure accurate funding and program viability.
“As promised, the MDE instituted new procedures for the grant application and awarding process to prevent the errors that occurred in 2016,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “We understand the importance of the community learning centers, and we believe the new process strengthens accountability for the grant program.”
In August 2016, the MDE announced it was facing a deficit up to $19 million in the 21st Century grant program because more grants were awarded than available funds.
The deficit dropped to $7.6 million after reconciling 21st Century funds between 2015-16 and 2016-17 and because reimbursement requests from 2015-16 were less than anticipated.
The $7.5 million has been fully restored to the districts.
The funds will be distributed over a three-year period. A list of providers that are eligible to receive 21st Century grants in 2017-18 can be found here.
