Eight organizations recently received grants to establish or expand 21st Century Community Learning Centers across South Dakota.

The federal program funds community learning centers designed to provide students with academic enrichment opportunities outside of school time. Centers provide a range of services to support student learning and development, including tutoring and mentoring, help with homework, and community service opportunities. They also may provide music, arts, sports and cultural activities.

Recipients received awards of $50,000-$100,000 per year for five years.

Re-funded in 2007-08:

• Smee School District
• St. Francis Indian School

Newly funded in 2007-08:

• Belle Fourche Elementary and High School
• Boys and Girls Club, Marty
• Boys and Girls Club, Cheyenne–Eagle Butte
• Black Hills Special Services (working with Oyate Center, four
• Rapid City academies)
• Lutheran Social Services–Cleveland Elementary School,
• Sioux Falls
• Rapid City YMCA

For more information about the program, visit http://doe.sd.gov/oess/21cent/index.asp or contact Sue Burgard at (605) 773-5238.