The Village Learning Place is pleased to share that the organization intends to apply for a 21st Century Community Learning Center (21stCCLC) grant through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) this spring 2023. Current funding from MSDE’s PSOEP and ARP-ESSER grants have enhanced program offerings. The VLP will be reapplying for out-of-school time program funding through the 21CCLC competitive RFP process. In 1994, the U.S. Congress authorized the establishment of the 21st CCLC program to provide a broad and consistent source for out-of-school time funding. The Every Student Succeeds Act was signed by President Obama on December 15, 2015 to reauthorize 21st CCLC funding, originally part of the No Child Left Behind Act. The purpose of the 21st CCLC is to create community learning centers that provide students with academic enrichment opportunities as well as additional services to complement their regular school day academics.  For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities for out-of-school programming at the VLP, please email VLPnews@villagelearningplace.org.