Monday, December 8, 2025
When the school day ends, learning doesn’t have to. For thousands of Wisconsin students, the hours before and after school, as well as weekends and school breaks, offer an opportunity for additional academic enrichment in a safe and supportive environment. That’s the purpose of the 168 Wisconsin sites funded by the federal Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program. The DPI recently released the 21st Century Community Learning Center 2023-24 Annual Report, which offers an encouraging look at how 21st CCLCs are supporting students and families statewide.
In Wisconsin, these centers serve nearly 20,000 K-12 students across the state, many of whom face barriers to enrichment opportunities. Approximately three-quarters of the 2023-24 participants were identified as economically disadvantaged, making these programs an essential resource for students and families.
While the activities offered across the sites vary widely, as each one designs its own programming to meet community needs, the report shows clear themes in how they are making an impact. Across the state, the 21st CCLC sites were open for 156 days, providing 455 hours of programming. The vast majority of the sites offered activities related to academic enrichment—primarily in literacy; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); or remedial education, such as homework help. Nearly all sites also offered physical activities or arts and music programming. Importantly, these opportunities are not meant to replicate what students learn during school; they are built to complement it. Nearly all sites reported using evidence-based practices to reinforce academic standards.
In 2023-24, the average daily attendance at the 21st CCLC sites reached its highest levels since 2019-20, and the annual report highlights promising outcomes for these participants. Students who participated were more likely to improve their school attendance, boost their grades, be more engaged in learning during the school day, and experience fewer suspensions.
Together, these findings paint a picture of programs that help students feel more connected, supported, and engaged beyond the traditional school day. To learn more about Wisconsin’s 21st CCLC programs, visit the DPI website.