21st-Century Community Learning Centers Evaluation

The 21st-Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program addresses concerns about the growing number of unsupervised children during the after-school hours and public interest in providing after-school experiences to enrich children’s educational, social, and developmental skills. The program helps schools and districts create partnerships with other community organizations to form school-based community learning centers that offer a range of educational, recreational, cultural, health, and social services to children and adults. During 2002, the U.S. Department of Education funded over 1,500 partnerships in rural and urban areas across the country.

Mathematica's scientifically rigorous study of the program examines whether 21st CCLC centers improve students’ schoolwork, homework, and behavior, as well as how kids fare on issues of safety, conflict resolution, and self-esteem. Findings from the final report show mixed results for the program, including limited academic impact, some negative impacts on behavior, and greater feelings of student safety.The findings are consistent with those from the study's first report and second report.

Researchers evaluated 32 grantees serving middle school students and 12 grantees serving elementary school students. Data sources included student, teacher, and parent questionnaires; school records; program performance reports; and other evaluations.

Other reports available include a design report, survey instruments, and a concept paper describing the framework for the evaluation.

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