Tennessee Awards 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants
Nashville, TN – Governor Phil Bredesen and Education Commissioner Timothy Webb today announced $4.75 million in federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. These programs seek to raise achievement of low-income students and students at underperforming schools through enrichment programs operated outside the school day.
“We have made a serious commitment to education in this state, from raising standards to fully funding school districts,” Governor Bredesen said. “These grants support our mission to see all students graduate ready to succeed in college and the workforce.”
Twenty-two school systems and community organizations received grants to open a total of 74 sites across the state. Grantees can reinforce student achievement in a variety of ways such as character education, arts education, remedial help, academic enrichment, expanded library hours and technology instruction. Program effectiveness must be based on strong scientific research.
“These programs provide valuable learning experiences to students who otherwise might not have access to such resources,” Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. “Partnerships like these strengthen our state’s ability to meet the needs of all students and provide a quality education.”
Below are the grantees of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers:
| Grantee | Grant Amount/# Locations | City/County where located |
|---|---|---|
| Athens City Schools | $206,250 for 3 sites | Athens, McMinn County |
| Backfield in Motion | $147,500 for 6 sites | Nashville, Davidson County |
| Boys and Girls Club of the TN Valley | $350,000 for 7 sites | Knoxville, Knox County |
| Bradford SSD | $68,750 for 1 site | Bradford, Gibson County |
| City of Life Corporation | $92,500 for 1 site | Nashville, Davidson County |
| DeKalb County Schools | $216,250 for 3 sites | Smithville, DeKalb County |
| Dyersburg City Schools | $185,000 for 2 sites | Dyersburg, Dyer County |
| Fentress County Schools | $137,500 for 2 sites | Jamestown, Fentress County |
| Gibson County Schools | $350,000 for 4 sites | Dyer, Gibson County |
| Hamilton County Schools | $250,000 for 5 sites | Chattanooga, Hamilton County |
| Hardeman County Schools | $360,000 for 4 sites | Bolivar, Hardeman County |
| Johnson City Schools | $198,846 for 3 sites | Johnson City, Washington County |
| Johnson County Schools | $90,694 for 1 site | Mountain City, Johnson County |
| Marion County Schools | $137,500 for 2 sites | Whitwell, Marion County |
| Martha O’Bryan Center | $109,210 for 3 sites | Nashville, Davidson County |
| Metropolitan Development Housing Agency | $97,500 for 1 site | Nashville, Davidson County |
| Metro Nashville Public Schools | $360,000 for 7 sites | Nashville, Davidson County |
| Project for Neighborhood Aftercare | $137,500 for 2 sites | Nashville, Davidson County |
| Putnam County Schools | $535,000 for 6 sites | Cookeville, Putnam County |
| Shelby County Schools | $216,250 for 3 sites | Memphis, Shelby County |
| Tipton County Schools | $353,750 for 5 sites | Covington, Tipton County |
| YWCA of Greater Memphis | $150,000 for 3 sites | Memphis, Shelby County |
Each grantee will receive funding for the next three years with the opportunity for a two year extension if the program demonstrates adequate student progress. For more information on Tennessee’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers, visit http://www.tennessee.gov/education/learningsupport/titleiv/partb/index.shtml.
For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.