21st Century Community Learning Centers Program and Out-of-School Time Resources Grantee Abstract

NJDOE Home Families Students Educators Community

New Jersey Department of Education Office of Student Support Services 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program and Out-of-School Time Resources

Middle Earth

Project Director: Maggie Navatto
PO Box 8045
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Phone: 908-725-7223
Fax: 908-722-5411
mnavatto@middleearthnj.org

County: Somerset

Servicing School District: Bound Brook, South Bound Brook

CCLC Site: Smalley Middle School

Partners: Family & Community Services of Somerset County, Somerset Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency, Raritan Valley Community College, Jointure for Community Adult Education, Somerset County 4-H, Bound Brook Recreation, Bound Brook Police Department, Somerset County Sheriff’s Department, Family Crisis Intervention Unit and Somerset County Youth Services Commission.

Serving Grade Level: 5-8

No. of Students to be Served: 100

No. of Adults to be Served: 50

Times of Service: Afterschool: 2:45 PM - 6:00 PM; Summer: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Abstract:
The 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) is a comprehensive afterschool program funded through the New Jersey Department of Education, which will support students’ academic, behavioral, emotional and social growth. The 21st CCLC Program will serve 100, at-risk middle-school-aged students from Bound Brook and South Bound Brook year-round. The program will provide students with opportunities in the following areas: academic remediation and enrichment, cultural and artistic opportunities, positive youth development through programs that assist in character education, physical activity and parental involvement. Educational field trips, guest speakers and special programs will provide academic, cultural and artistic enrichment. Short-term counseling and mental health/substance abuse referrals will be provided two days per week by licensed clinicians. Positive relationships with law enforcement will be increased and fostered through interactions with local officers once a week. Families will be given the opportunity to participate in ESL classes and the Strengthening Families Program. Parents will also be invited to participate in frequent Family Fun Nights. The program aims to engage youth in positive activities in order to improve both their academic and behavioral functioning as well as to engage parents in the learning process.