The federally funded, Nita M. Lowey, Title IV Part B, 21st Century Community Learning Center grant supports out-of-school time programs for students in urban, rural, and suburban communities across Oklahoma. Over 100 programs currently serve more than 16,000 students each year, offering a broad range of high-quality academic supports and enrichment activities.
These programs provide engaging environments that require innovative approaches to maximize the impact for young people. Because no two settings are the sime, there are many paths to excellence. To support identified community needs, the Office of Family and Community Engagement at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has established guiding principles that provide a strong foundation for effective practice. These principles are designed to inspire and direct programs as they deliver high-quality learning opportunities to students across the state.
OUR VISION
Oklahoma's 21st Century Community Learning Centers envision a future within our programs where every student has access to safe, inspiring, and supportive environments that ignite curiosity, foster meaningful learning, and build lasting connections beyond the school day.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Oklahoma's 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs is to provide high-quality, out-of-school time opportunities that foster academic success, spark innovation, and strengthen connections among schools, families, and communities. Grounded in evidence-based practices and community needs, these programs will empower young people to thrive as engaged learners, confident leaders, and active citizens.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Shared Vision, Mission, and Goals
Principle 1: Programs have a clear, youth-centered vision, mission, and goals that are developed collaboratively with key stakeholders.
In Practice:
Programs work with stakeholders to create a shared vision, mission, and goals that reflect the needs of youth and foster a feeling of responsibility and connection to the program. The shared vision, mission, and goals are explicit, clearly communicated, and understood by all stakeholders. They are actively used to shape program activities and drive continuous quality improvement efforts.
Prepared and Skilled Leadership and Staff
Principle 2: Well-trained and supported staff create engaging and effective learning environments.
In Practice:
Expanded learning programs maintain appropriate staffing ratios and ensure staff qualifications and professional development align with program goals. Programs blend teachers and non-teachers to provide a range of expertise and perspectives, helping youth feel comfortable learning and exploring. Staff collaborate, build strong relationships, and adapt activities to meet participants' needs, fostering welcoming environments where students feel confident to explore, learn, and grow.
Participation and Access
Principle 3:
Consistent participation ensures students benefit fully from program opportunities.
In Practice:
Programs are open and accessible to students, especially those most in need of additional support. Participation is structured to promote consistent attendance and sustained engagement, which contributes to academic and behavioral improvement, as well as, fosters a sense of ownership, leadership, and belonging.
Intentional Programming
Principle 4: Activities are purposefully designed to meet students' academic and developmental needs.
In Practice:
Programs are designed with clear goals that complement-not replicate-the school day. Each experience builds skills, reinforces learning, and ensures measurable growth, while sparking passion, fueling imagination, and encouraging exploration.
Active and Engaged Learning
Principle 5:
Young people learn best through hands-on and meaningful experiences.
In Practice:
Programs provide engaging, hands-on activities that connect to students' interests and real-world applications. Learning experiences encourage creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving, while challenging students to think critically, collaborate, and apply knowledge in practical ways that enhance both academic and personal growth.
Safety, Health, and Wellness
Principle 6:
Safe, healthy, and supportive environments promote well-being and learning.
In Practice:
Programs maintain clear safety policies, provide nutritious snacks, encourage physical activity, and offer guidance to support overall well-being. Students experience predictable routines and supportive interactions that help them feel secure, respected, and valued while engaging in program activities.
School and Community Partnerships
Principle 7:
Strong partnerships between schools and community organizations drive coordinated support for student success.
In Practice:
Schools and community organizations work together toward shared goals, communicate openly, and regularly share information and resources. This collaboration ensures that student supports are aligned, targeted, and consistent, so every child receives the assistance they need.
Youth Voice
Principle 8:
Programs intentionally provide opportunities for youth to share input, make choices, and take on leadership roles that shape their learning experiences.
In Practice:
When young people have a voice in their enrichment experiences, they become more engaged learners and stronger leaders. Programs include youth in advisory structures where they play a key role in providing feedback on programming, staffing, and overall operations. Opportunities for youth voice may also include co-leading activities, contributing to program planning, or shaping curricula.
Family Engagement
Principle 9:
Families are essential partners in the program's efforts to support young people's learning and growth.
In Practice:
Programs actively involve families in decision-maiking, offer meaningful opportunities for participation, and maintain ongoing communication. families are welsomed as collaborators, contributing ideas, feedback, and resources that help shape program offering s and ensue students' academic and personal growth.
Financial Management and Sustainability
Principle 10:
Effective financial management and sustainability planning ensure long-term program success.
In Practice:
Programs implement clear policies for managing funds, track resources carefully, and plan for future needs. Leaders regularly review fiscal stability, anticipate challenges, identify new funding sources, and maintain strong partnerships with community partners to sustain resources and continue delivering high-quality program opportunities.
Ongoing Assessment and Improvement
Principle 11:
Frequent assessment and regular evaluation drives program quality and effectivenss.
In Practice:
Programs regularly collect and review data, gather feedback from students, staff, families, and other stakeholders, and assess outcomes. This information guides program adjustments, informs decision-making, and ensures continuous quality improvement, keeping activities relevant, effective, and aligned with program goals. Programs also assess fiscal health to continue to improve sound financial management.