The purpose of the 21st CCLC Program is to support the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The 21st CCLC Program helps students meet state and local academic standards in core subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement the regular academic program; and offers educational services to the families of participating children.

The purpose of the 21st CCLC ASSETs Program is to provide local flexibility in the establishment or expansion of community learning centers that provide students in grades nine through twelve with academic enrichment opportunities and activities designed to complement students’ regular academic program and that support college and career readiness, assist with literacy and related educational development services for families of these students, and provide a safe environment for students participating in their programs.