The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, through 21^st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grants, has provided wonderful opportunities for Alabama communities to start or expand community learning centers. These 21^st CCLC programs provide a range of high-quality services to students and their families before and after regular school hours, during school breaks and throughout summer vacation. The programs focus on academic enrichment activities, services designed to reinforce and complement students' regular academic programs, and opportunities for families to participate in literacy and educational development programs.

In 2007-08, there were 130 community learning center programs in Alabama, providing services to 15,201 children. In October 2008, 42 new 21^st CCLC grants were awarded by the state. The Truman Pierce Institute (TPI), in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), cosponsored a training for the new grantees, which took place in Columbiana, Alabama, and was attended by nearly 100 people. The training focused on the components of quality afterschool programs and the requirements of a 21^st CCLC grant. The sessions were conducted by consultants, ALSDE personnel, TPI staff, field experts, and experienced grantees. Topics included quality indicators, enrichment activities, resources, budgets, reports, partnerships, sustainability, staff training, safety, and legal issues. The setting and atmosphere encouraged networking and interaction among all participants, and the evaluations proved that the three-day conference was a success.

ALSDE contracts with TPI to provide ongoing support to the 21^st CCLC grantees in areas such as reporting, professional development, and training high school tutors. TPI's relationship with the grantees begins at the outset, with new grantee training, and continues until their last report is complete.

The enthusiasm of this year's new grantees is very exciting, and we look forward to working with them throughout the year.