Communities In Schools (CIS) of the South Plains was recently awarded the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Cycle 9 grant. The Texas Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program is administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and is funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative of the U.S. Department of Education. The Texas ACE program is one of the largest statewide afterschool programs in the country, serving over 180,000 students at nearly 1,000 sites (Retrieved from http://www.mytexasace.org/, July 21, 2016).
The endowing of 21st CCLC will substantially bolster CIS of the South Plains’ ability to offer free before- and after-school programs and services to economically disadvantaged schools across the state. CIS, in adherence with Texas ACE guidelines, will offer activities concentrating on four areas:
· Tutorials for students before- and after-school;
· Enrichment activities for students to explore science, technology and the arts;
· Activities and training that help families support their students to be successful at school; and
· Guidance and field trips that help students and their families access information about college and careers.
The principal objective of Texas ACE is to promote each student’s academic achievement by addressing the academic and non‐academic factors (e.g., low standardized test scores; basic needs; growth mindset; grit/persistence; and social and emotional learning) that directly influence academic success. The programs also have a proven track record of improving attendance, behavior and academics which lead to grade level promotion, graduation and helping students be more prepared for college and the workplace.
CIS of the South Plains is actively seeking qualified applicants to fill several Site Coordinator positions, per the new grant. Visit www.cissouthplains.org or Lubbock Online for position details. Apply at: www.cissouthplains.org or contact the CIS of South Plains Central Office at: 806.368.8090.CIS of the South Plains will relocate to a new office space on August 1, 2016. The new space is located at: 1946 Avenue Q-3rd Floor, Lubbock, Texas 79411.
CIS of the South plains served 11,150 students through before and after school programming. For more information about Texas ACE programs or CIS of the South Plains, please visit: www.mytexasace.org or www.cissouthplains.org.
(News release from Communities In Schools of the South Plains)
