Lincoln Community Learning Centers – a partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and several local nonprofits, including Civic Nebraska – will be honored next month by the U.S. Department of Education for expanding access to high-quality after-school and summer learning programs.
Lincoln CLCs are among 13 Engage Every Student Champions, chosen from nominations from around the country for delivering high-quality after-school programming to Lincoln children. Civic Nebraska is the lead agency at three CLCs in Lincoln – Campbell Elementary School, Lincoln Northeast High School, and Lincoln High School.
In 2023-24, Lincoln’s 29 CLCs and their fellow national honorees excelled in:
›› Employing evidence-based approaches, including prioritizing students needing additional support; having certified teachers delivering instruction and tutoring; and engaging students in experiential learning such as project-based learning, enrichment, career pathways, and field trips;
›› Increasing after-school enrollment by at least 20 percent from 2022-23 to 2023-2024;
›› Serving students who attend schools with 40 percent or more students qualifying for the free and reduced lunch program; and
›› Leveraging American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds and state and local funds to expand access to student after-school and summer learning programs.
“This year’s Engage Every Student Champions are leading the charge in their local communities and states to ensure that all students nationwide have the opportunity to thrive, learn, and grow through their engagement in high-quality after-school and summer learning programs,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
The Education Department will recognize Lincoln CLCs and fellow Champions at the Engage Every Student Summit on July 16 in Washington, DC. The gathering will include youth, state, and local school leaders, state and city elected officials, after-school and summer learning program providers, and advocates.
In addition to Lincoln CLCs, the 2024 Champions include programs from Litchfield, Connecticut; Atlanta; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Springfield, Illinois; Baltimore; Ridgeland, Mississippi; Nashua, New Hampshire; Fair Lawn, New Jersey; Youngstown, Ohio; Canby, Oregon; Florence and Lake City, South Carolina; and Sturgis, South Dakota.
We’re proud to be members of a powerful partnership that enriches students’ educational journeys while preparing them to be active, informed, and caring citizens. Civic Nebraska is building the next generation of civic leaders in our state – learn more about our Youth Civic Leadership programs here.