Springfield's 21st Century Community Learning Centers after school programs provide participants with a broad array of fun, safe, hands-on educational and recreational opportunities which support what they are learning during the school day. When students are dismissed at the end of the school day, they can report directly to the After School Program where a nutritious snack and drink are provided.  Enrollment is limited and only students who have registered may attend.

Springfield’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers Programs are offered at the following schools:

Middle school programs:

Chestnut Accelerated, Kennedy, Van Sickle, Forest Park and Kiley
Monday through Thursday, 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Elementary school programs:

Bowles, Liberty, Homer, Lincoln, White and Pottenger
Monday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Program Description

Our 21st CCLC After School Program provides homework help as well as thematic enrichment programs. All programs are led by certified teachers and community-based organizations. Children may participate in a variety of academic enrichment opportunities that reinforce the school curriculum, including:

• Homework help
• Design-It and Rocketry – hands-on educational projects in science and math
• The Arts – creative art that build children’s’ communication skills and self-esteem as well as self-expression
• Fitness – Physical activities in which children expend energy, learn math, explore nutrition, and develop healthy habits and lifestyles
• Educational games and other small-group learning experiences.
• Scientific Wonders (at Forest Park) - Children will explore the world of science

The 21st Century Community Learning Center Program assist students to build the skills, values and self confidence they need to succeed in school and their daily lives. In order to offer these after school programs, our 21st CCLC sites must meet  school department, state and federal grant reporting requirements. Throughout the year, periodical assessments are made to better meet the needs of individual children and to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.

Contact Information

Paula E. Thayer, Project Director 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs — 750-2479

Claire O’Brien, Educational Coordinator — 787-6452

Afterschool Program Coordinators
John A. Cirelli – 750-2710
Chestnut Accelerated; Kennedy & Van Sickle Middle Schools

Randy Piteo — 750-2711
Forest Park & Kiley Middle Schools

Amber C. Hickerson — 750-2995
Bowles, Liberty & Pottenger Elementary Schools