As you look for ways to enhance or expand your program, check out these resources for suggestions:
Federal program website that provides information about the purpose of the 21st CCLCs, eligibility, applicant information, awards, performance, funding status, and contact.
TEA Correspondence
Access copies of letters that TEA has sent to school districts and/or regional education service centers by regular mail.
State program website that provides information about state goals, awards, funding, and contact information.
Service learning is a major component in of Texas ACE. This website provides resources and a framework for service learning in Texas ACE.
The Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) are the academic standards used by Texas ACE sites that connect afterschool academic activities to campus instructional goals.
Join this listserv to obtain updates from TEA as they are released .
This Clearinghouse website, governed by an Interagency Executive Oversight Committee across several Federal agencies, brings together multiple resources in one website. It offers tools that connect after-school individuals with federal resources that support children and youth during out-of-school time, ranging from funding opportunities, research, program information, and issues that face our youth.
This organization engages youth as global citizens and advancing innovative and authentic solutions for youth success. It offers information useful for program directors, staff, volunteers, parents, community members, policymakers, funders, researchers and educators.
Advocacy organization dedicated to raising awareness around the importance of afterschool programs.
Information you can find on this site: Policy and action center, facts and research, and national afterschool campaigns and events.
American Association of School Administrators
This site primarily gives information on AASA, its conferences, publications, etc. Not much information is found related to after-school programming.
This site primarily gives information on AASA, its conferences, publications, etc. Not much information is found related to after-school programming.
American School Board Journal
The website provides access to articles previously published in this journal.
The website provides access to articles previously published in this journal.
Association for Supervision and Curriculum
This website provides vast amounts of very useful information for superintendents, supervisors, principals, teachers, professors of education, and school board members.
This website provides vast amounts of very useful information for superintendents, supervisors, principals, teachers, professors of education, and school board members.
Austin Partners in Education
Austin Partners identifies and evaluates best practices quantitatively and qualitatively, piloting and expanding successful programs.
Austin Partners identifies and evaluates best practices quantitatively and qualitatively, piloting and expanding successful programs.
Boston’s After-School for All Partnership
This web site serves as a virtual meeting place to learn about Partnership news and initiatives, and acts as a clearinghouse of resources to facilitate the work of the out-of-school time community in practical ways.
This web site serves as a virtual meeting place to learn about Partnership news and initiatives, and acts as a clearinghouse of resources to facilitate the work of the out-of-school time community in practical ways.
Provides professional development, technical assistance, tools, and resources through publications and webinars on best-practices in engaging students in meaningful learning activities and working with your staff.
Center for Teaching Effectiveness – Best Practices in Higher Education
This website is attached to many useful links related to best practices in education.
This website is attached to many useful links related to best practices in education.
Citizen Schools
Citizen Schools uniquely mobilizes business, civic and community volunteers to participate in education by teaching hands-on apprenticeships. Their programs integrate these authentic learning projects with activities that build academic, leadership, and study skills, preparing adolescents for achievement in high school, college, the workforce & civic life.
Citizen Schools uniquely mobilizes business, civic and community volunteers to participate in education by teaching hands-on apprenticeships. Their programs integrate these authentic learning projects with activities that build academic, leadership, and study skills, preparing adolescents for achievement in high school, college, the workforce & civic life.
Collaborative Communications Group
Collaborative Communications Group is a team of strategic consultants who have developed a library of resources for education reformers.
Collaborative Communications Group is a team of strategic consultants who have developed a library of resources for education reformers.
This organization partners with youth workers, youth agency leaders, funders, and policy makers to create a community support system where young people can thrive.
Connect for Kids
Connect for Kids provides parents, grandparents, guardians, educators, advocates, policymakers, elected officials and others the tools and information they need to improve the lives of children, youth and families.
Connect for Kids provides parents, grandparents, guardians, educators, advocates, policymakers, elected officials and others the tools and information they need to improve the lives of children, youth and families.
Concept to Classroom: A Series of Workshops
This website offers online workshops such as: After-School Programs – from Vision to Reality; Assessment, Evaluation, and Curriculum Design; Cooperative and Collaborative Learning; Making Family and Community Connections, and others.
This website offers online workshops such as: After-School Programs – from Vision to Reality; Assessment, Evaluation, and Curriculum Design; Cooperative and Collaborative Learning; Making Family and Community Connections, and others.
The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN)
TCPN provides school districts and other government entities opportunities for greater efficiency and economy in acquiring goods and services.
TCPN provides school districts and other government entities opportunities for greater efficiency and economy in acquiring goods and services.
Corporate Voice for Working Families
Corporate Voices for Working Families brings the private sector voice into the public dialogue on issues affecting working families, including education.
Corporate Voices for Working Families brings the private sector voice into the public dialogue on issues affecting working families, including education.
Corporation for National Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service works toward engaging Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to help strengthen communities. This web site provides a very large amount of information on community service and service learning.
The Corporation for National and Community Service works toward engaging Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to help strengthen communities. This web site provides a very large amount of information on community service and service learning.
Federal Resources for Educational Excellence
This site is a resource site providing resources for all school subjects.
This site is a resource site providing resources for all school subjects.
The Finance Project
The Finance Project is a specialized non-profit research, consulting, technical assistance and training firm for public and private sector leaders nationwide. This site is linked to many great publications and workbooks regarding investment decision, developing sound financing strategies, and build solid partnerships that benefit children, families and communities.
The Finance Project is a specialized non-profit research, consulting, technical assistance and training firm for public and private sector leaders nationwide. This site is linked to many great publications and workbooks regarding investment decision, developing sound financing strategies, and build solid partnerships that benefit children, families and communities.
The Gateway to Educational Materials
“The Gateway to 21st Century Skills”, GEM is a consortium effort to provide educators with quick and easy access to thousands of educational resources found on various federal, state, university, non-profit, and commercial Internet sites.
“The Gateway to 21st Century Skills”, GEM is a consortium effort to provide educators with quick and easy access to thousands of educational resources found on various federal, state, university, non-profit, and commercial Internet sites.
Research and work geared to promoting quality, accessibility, and sustainability of out-of-school time programs.
Literacy Assessment for Diverse Learners Portal – Part of I Teach I Learn
This site provides links to the Teacher’s Journal and other resources.
This site provides links to the Teacher’s Journal and other resources.
Mid-continent Research for Education Learning
McREL helps educators bridge the gap between research and practice in the areas of early literacy, education and public outreach, instruction, leadership, mathematics and science, standards, school improvement, and technology.
McREL helps educators bridge the gap between research and practice in the areas of early literacy, education and public outreach, instruction, leadership, mathematics and science, standards, school improvement, and technology.
National Association of Elementary School Principals
This site is very informative and offers a wide variety of tools and resources for elementary and middle level principals.
This site is very informative and offers a wide variety of tools and resources for elementary and middle level principals.
National Center for Community Education
The NCCE promotes community education through leadership training and resources and links on funding advice and online courses.
The NCCE promotes community education through leadership training and resources and links on funding advice and online courses.
National Center for Education Statistics in the United States
This site offers public elementary school and private elementary school data which can be segmented by city, elementary school districts, zip codes, or counties. Statistics such as enrollment, the ratio of students to teachers are included as well as elementary school addresses, phone numbers, and other contact information.
National Community Education Association
This website offers resource links, legislative updates to community education directors or coordinators at the local school district level as well as education professors in colleges and universities, community college administrators, and state legislators.
This website offers resource links, legislative updates to community education directors or coordinators at the local school district level as well as education professors in colleges and universities, community college administrators, and state legislators.
The National High School Alliance
This organization partners with others to promoting the excellence, equity, and development of high school-age youth.
This organization partners with others to promoting the excellence, equity, and development of high school-age youth.
Geared towards bridging research and practice, the website offers journal publications, news and events, and resources.
National Staff Development Council
This Council views high quality staff development programs as essential to creating schools in which all students and staff members are learners who continually improve their performance.
This Council views high quality staff development programs as essential to creating schools in which all students and staff members are learners who continually improve their performance.
National Youth Development Information Center
This site provides links to important research findings and strategies for success and discusses afterschool partnership success stories.
This site provides links to important research findings and strategies for success and discusses afterschool partnership success stories.
Promising Practices in After-School
This website helps afterschool program directors improve the quality of their programs.
This website helps afterschool program directors improve the quality of their programs.
Provides technical assistance and resources for afterschool programs in the areas of virtual academy, lesson plans, curriculum review, newsletter subscription, and afterschool training toolkit.
Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (TASCD)
Texas ASCD, a community of diverse educators, acts to improve teaching and learning for the success of all learners.
Texas ASCD, a community of diverse educators, acts to improve teaching and learning for the success of all learners.
Texas Center for Educational Research
TCER partners with other research organizations and higher education institutions to enhance the quality of Texas education by promoting the interchange of academic research.
TCER partners with other research organizations and higher education institutions to enhance the quality of Texas education by promoting the interchange of academic research.
Texas Community Education Association
This website primarily describes the Association and has links for members, events, starting a program, news, and similar areas.
This website primarily describes the Association and has links for members, events, starting a program, news, and similar areas.
Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association
TEPSA provides leadership training, networking opportunities, and information and support for principals and supervisors in Texas.
TEPSA provides leadership training, networking opportunities, and information and support for principals and supervisors in Texas.
These resources are categorized for ease of use and access:
General planning information and resources as well as information for building an inclusive after school program.
Needs Assessments
This website provides an example of how to complete a needs assessment, the job and strength analysis which everyone can use to close the gap between what students are doing and what they should be doing.
This brief provides an overview of how out-of-school time programs can evaluate family involvement strategies and practices.
This online calculator lets you determine the costs of a variety of options for high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs. With other resources on this site, it can help you make informed decisions so you can plan for programming in which children flourish.
Class Unit Ideas
A collection of ideas for afterschool Unit Plans categorized by grade level.
Active Like Me! (Grades 2-5)
Amexica (Grades k-12)
The Body Shop (Grades k-12)
Explore Mars! (Grades k-12)
Gardening Class (Grades k-5)
Integrating Art and Social Studies - World Cultures (Grades 2-8)
Little Explorers (Grades k-1)
Parent University (Parents of students in Grades K-8)
Percussion Ensemble (Grades 2-5)
Ocean Life (Grade 1)
Roots and Rhythms (Grades 1-5)
Summer Space Camp (Grades k-6)
Active Like Me! (Grades 2-5)
Amexica (Grades k-12)
The Body Shop (Grades k-12)
Explore Mars! (Grades k-12)
Exploring with Geocaching (Grades 5-6)
Funny Fairy Tale Math (Grades 3-4)
Gardening Class (Grades k-5)
How Your Body Moves (Grades 4-6)
Integrating Art and Social Studies - World Cultures (Grades 2-8)
Kids in The Kitchen: Blender Gourmet (Grades 3-5)
Moon Journals (Grades 3-12)
Parent University (Parents of students in Grades K-8)
Percussion Ensemble (Grades 2-5)
Reading to Life! (Grades 4 & 5)
Roots and Rhythms (Grades 1-5)
Sights and Sounds of Sounder (Grades 3-5)
Summer Space Camp (Grades k-6)
Tall Thinking about Texas (Grades 3-5)
Under Siege (Grades 5-8)
African Beadwork (Grades 6-8)
Art in History (Grades 6-8)
Beading and Baking for C.A.S.A. (Grades 6-8)
The Body Shop (Grades k-12)
Challenger Learning Center Dinner & a Mission (Grades 6-8)
Explore Mars! (Grades k-12)
Exploring with Geocaching (Grades 5-6)
Girls Only Hair/Face/Nails and Me (Grades 6-8)
Health and Beauty (Grades 6-8)
How Your Body Moves (Grades 4-6)
Integrating Art and Social Studies - World Cultures (Grades 2-8)
Learning Style Study Groups (Grades 6-12)
Making the Connections (Grades 7-8)
Moon Journals (Grade 3-12)
Parent University (Parents of students in Grades K-8)
Passport Travelers (Grades 6-8)
Reading for Fun (for ELLs) (Grades 6-8)
Rules of the Road (Grades 6-10)
Summer Space Camp (Grades k-6)
Under Siege (Grades 5-8)
Amexica (Grades k-12)
The Body Shop (Grades k-12)
Explore Mars! (Grades k-12)
Geocaching and Orienteering (Grades 9-12)
Glass Fusion (Grades 9-12)
Learning Style Study Groups (Grades 6-12)
Moon Journals (Grade 3-12)
Multimedia Slide Show (Grades 9-12)
Rules of the Road (Grades 6-10)
Student Council Club (Grades 9-12)
Activity Ideas
A collection of ideas for afterschool lesson plans and activities.
Mentoring BackToTop
Book Buddies (Grades 5-12)
Story Power (Grades 6-12)
School And Community Beautification Projects Back to Top
Community Beautification (Grades k-12)
School Beautification Project (Grades k-12)
School Front Beautification (Grades k-12)
WOW – Words of Wisdom (Grades k-12)
Health Education BackToTop
Back Pack Program (Grades 9-12)
Creating a School Garden (Grades k-12)
Vegetable Garden (Grades k-12)
Walking track for School and Community (Grades 9-12)
Solving Community Issues BackToTop
Bottle Neck Traffic (Grades 9-12)
Building Pathway (Grades 9-12)
Collecting Food for the Food Bank (Grades k-12)
Anti-Vandalism Campaign (Grades 6-12)
Environmental Awareness and Protection Program (Grades k-12)
Obesity Awareness Campaign (Grades k-12)
Recycling (Grades k-12)
Stray Animals (Grades k-12)
Hands on TEKS Activities BackToTop
Color Guard (Grades 6-8)
Create a Picture Box (Grades 6-8)
Math Vocabulary Illustrations (Grades 6-8)
Rules of the Road with Remote Control Cars (Grades 6-8)
Documents to Share with High School Seniors
Courtesy of Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Texas
Courtesy of Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Texas
Other College Preparation Resources
This National Center for Education Statistics and the US Department of Education resource offers an interactive tool for researching and selecting colleges using an interactive map, building a list to do a side-by-side comparison, and saving your favorites. Additional links to resources on preparing for your education, financial aid, and deciding on a career are provided.
An online guide for applying for Federal Student Aid with resources available in English and Spanish.
A tool for calculating your GPA (Grade Point Average) provided by Iowa State University.
An interactive, student-friendly web site that guides students, from 6th grade to seniors, through the “4 steps to college” online tool.
These online budget, repayment plan, and direct consolidation loan calculators help families plan for a college education before, during, and after.
Search for schools, colleges, or libraries using this online tool.
A myriad of resources and tools for planning your education, paying for your education, developing your career, and an online study help.
Service Learning
A variety of resources focused on the many aspects of service learning.
Publications BackToTop
S.T.A.R.S. – Service-Learning Implementation Trainer’s Manual: Texas Center for Service-Learning
by Elizabeth Manning
by Elizabeth Manning
The Complete Guide to Service Learning: Proven, Practical Ways to Engage Students in Civic Responsibility, Academic Curriculum, and Social Action
by Cathryn Berger Kaye
by Cathryn Berger Kaye
General Online Information BackToTop
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Offering programs, curricula, and training opportunities designed to engage K-12 youth and teachers in civic participation through service learning activities, this organization also publishes a free quarterly national newsletter, Service-Learning Network, and administers the Robinson Mini-Grant Program for service learning projects.
Offering programs, curricula, and training opportunities designed to engage K-12 youth and teachers in civic participation through service learning activities, this organization also publishes a free quarterly national newsletter, Service-Learning Network, and administers the Robinson Mini-Grant Program for service learning projects.
The Giraffe Project
K-12 service learning and character education curriculum promotes compassion and active citizenship in youth. Students learn about heroes in their communities and are inspired to make a difference through service learning projects.
K-12 service learning and character education curriculum promotes compassion and active citizenship in youth. Students learn about heroes in their communities and are inspired to make a difference through service learning projects.
KIDS Consortium
The KIDS Consortium offers educators and community members ideas for involving students in their own neighborhoods. Trained adults help kids identify, research, and address real community challenges.
The KIDS Consortium offers educators and community members ideas for involving students in their own neighborhoods. Trained adults help kids identify, research, and address real community challenges.
Learn and Serve America
This Corporation for National and Community Service Program provides grants and scholarships to schools, colleges, and nonprofit groups that participate in community service programs.
This Corporation for National and Community Service Program provides grants and scholarships to schools, colleges, and nonprofit groups that participate in community service programs.
National Center for Learning and Citizenship
This national center for service learning established by the Education Commission of the States works with state and district administrators and educators and promotes service learning opportunities in K-12 education through free publications.
This national center for service learning established by the Education Commission of the States works with state and district administrators and educators and promotes service learning opportunities in K-12 education through free publications.
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
The Clearinghouse supports service learning in grades K-12, higher education, community-based initiatives, tribal programs, and programs for the general public—locate materials, submit questions, and access documents about service learning.
The Clearinghouse supports service learning in grades K-12, higher education, community-based initiatives, tribal programs, and programs for the general public—locate materials, submit questions, and access documents about service learning.
National Service-Learning Partnership
Their mission is to make service learning a core element of every K-12 student’s education. Members receive news from the service learning community, ideas for strengthening service opportunities in local areas, and access to relevant publications.
Their mission is to make service learning a core element of every K-12 student’s education. Members receive news from the service learning community, ideas for strengthening service opportunities in local areas, and access to relevant publications.
Youth Serve America
Youth Serve America is an alliance of organizations committed to increasing opportunities for young Americans to serve locally, nationally, or globally, sponsoring sponsors National and Global Youth Service Day and hosting SERVEnet.org.
Youth Serve America is an alliance of organizations committed to increasing opportunities for young Americans to serve locally, nationally, or globally, sponsoring sponsors National and Global Youth Service Day and hosting SERVEnet.org.
Service Opportunities BackToTop
Action Without Borders
Idealist is a project of Action Without Borders partnering with 47,000 nonprofit and community organizations in 165 countries. Search by name, location or mission to find volunteer opportunities in local communities and around the world.
Idealist is a project of Action Without Borders partnering with 47,000 nonprofit and community organizations in 165 countries. Search by name, location or mission to find volunteer opportunities in local communities and around the world.
Activism 2000 Project
The YOUTH ACTIVISM PROJECT (formerly the ACTIVISM 2000 PROJECT) is a national clearinghouse that strives to promote youth civic engagement , train adults on how to collaborate successfully with young people, provide free advice to young people to help them transform their ideas into proposals, promote youth infusion on citizen task forces, school boards, community coalitions, organizations, etc.
The YOUTH ACTIVISM PROJECT (formerly the ACTIVISM 2000 PROJECT) is a national clearinghouse that strives to promote youth civic engagement , train adults on how to collaborate successfully with young people, provide free advice to young people to help them transform their ideas into proposals, promote youth infusion on citizen task forces, school boards, community coalitions, organizations, etc.
America's Promise
America's Promise is a collaborative network that builds upon the collective power of communities and partners to help fulfill the Five Promises for every young person in America. The five promises are: Caring adults, safe places, a healthy start and future, effective education, and opportunities to help others
America's Promise is a collaborative network that builds upon the collective power of communities and partners to help fulfill the Five Promises for every young person in America. The five promises are: Caring adults, safe places, a healthy start and future, effective education, and opportunities to help others
Corporation for National and Community Service
This organization provides strategic critical support to volunteer organizations, promotes a healthy, vibrant non-profit volunteer sector that can deliver community services efficiency and effectively, builds character and creates career and educational opportunities through the volunteer experience, and develops and cultivates knowledge that will enhance the overall success of volunteer and service programs.
This organization provides strategic critical support to volunteer organizations, promotes a healthy, vibrant non-profit volunteer sector that can deliver community services efficiency and effectively, builds character and creates career and educational opportunities through the volunteer experience, and develops and cultivates knowledge that will enhance the overall success of volunteer and service programs.
Do Something
Do Something provides monthly “challenges” in 3 areas: community building, health, and the environment. Challenges can be after-school activities or in-school class projects, undertaken in groups or alone, never requiring any money to execute.
Do Something provides monthly “challenges” in 3 areas: community building, health, and the environment. Challenges can be after-school activities or in-school class projects, undertaken in groups or alone, never requiring any money to execute.
Exchange Club
Exchange is an all-volunteer, national service organization for men and women who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills and enjoy new friendships.
Exchange is an all-volunteer, national service organization for men and women who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills and enjoy new friendships.
Future Problem Solving
Founded by creativity pioneer, Dr. E. Paul Torrance, FPSP stimulates critical and creative thinking skills and encourages students to develop a vision for the future through curricular and co-curricular competitive, as well as non-competitive, activities in creative problem solving.
Founded by creativity pioneer, Dr. E. Paul Torrance, FPSP stimulates critical and creative thinking skills and encourages students to develop a vision for the future through curricular and co-curricular competitive, as well as non-competitive, activities in creative problem solving.
Grass Roots
This website provides examples of the most innovative grassroots programs in the U.S. and the local heroes who've found effective ways to build their communities, fix what's broken and make them better.
This website provides examples of the most innovative grassroots programs in the U.S. and the local heroes who've found effective ways to build their communities, fix what's broken and make them better.
Kidlink
Kidlink focuses on providing basic life-skills training to children by teaching them how to collaborate with peers around the world, create social networks, mature, and encourages creativity.
Kidlink focuses on providing basic life-skills training to children by teaching them how to collaborate with peers around the world, create social networks, mature, and encourages creativity.
Points of Light Foundation
The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities.
The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities.
ServeNet
Through SERVEnet users can find local organizations needing help, matching their skills, interest, and availability. It also has an events calendar, job listing, service news, recommended books, and best practices.
Through SERVEnet users can find local organizations needing help, matching their skills, interest, and availability. It also has an events calendar, job listing, service news, recommended books, and best practices.
Volunteer Match
VolunteerMatch offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement.
VolunteerMatch offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement.
Youth Service America
YOUTH SERVICE AMERICA (YSA) is a resource center that partners with thousands of organizations committed to increasing the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for young Americans, ages 5-25, to serve locally, nationally, and globally.
YOUTH SERVICE AMERICA (YSA) is a resource center that partners with thousands of organizations committed to increasing the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for young Americans, ages 5-25, to serve locally, nationally, and globally.
Youth Venture
Youth Venture helps to empower young people ages 12-20 by providing them all the tools necessary to create civic-minded organizations, clubs or businesses.
Youth Venture helps to empower young people ages 12-20 by providing them all the tools necessary to create civic-minded organizations, clubs or businesses.
Earth Force
Earth Force engages young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future.
Earth Force engages young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future.
Kids for a Clean Environment
This website provides information on environmental issues to children, to encourage and facilitate youth's involvement with effective environmental action and to recognize those efforts which result in the improvement of nature.
This website provides information on environmental issues to children, to encourage and facilitate youth's involvement with effective environmental action and to recognize those efforts which result in the improvement of nature.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International supports research and generates action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated. Members and supporters exert influence on governments, political bodies, companies and intergovernmental groups.
Amnesty International supports research and generates action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated. Members and supporters exert influence on governments, political bodies, companies and intergovernmental groups.
The Environment Network
This website offers a collection of resources, teachers, experts and tools that provide objective information and knowledge about the increasingly complex field of environmental science.
This website offers a collection of resources, teachers, experts and tools that provide objective information and knowledge about the increasingly complex field of environmental science.
Future Forests
The Carbon Neutral Company, formally Future Forests, offers solutions for tackling climate change to businesses and communities which deliver better commercial and environmental benefit.
The Carbon Neutral Company, formally Future Forests, offers solutions for tackling climate change to businesses and communities which deliver better commercial and environmental benefit.
Green Peace International
Green Peace International seeks solutions for, and promotes open, informed debate about society's environmental choices.
Green Peace International seeks solutions for, and promotes open, informed debate about society's environmental choices.
Make Trade Fair
This organization works directly with communities and seeks to influence others to ensure that poor people can improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them.
This organization works directly with communities and seeks to influence others to ensure that poor people can improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them.
My Friends Place
My Friend's Place is a nonprofit Resource Center offering a comprehensive continuum of care that includes free emergency resources such as food and clothing in combination with health, educational, and therapeutic services to over 1,800 homeless youth and their children each year.
My Friend's Place is a nonprofit Resource Center offering a comprehensive continuum of care that includes free emergency resources such as food and clothing in combination with health, educational, and therapeutic services to over 1,800 homeless youth and their children each year.
This organization strives to help create a new way of life for humankind, one that can be sustained indefinitely without fouling or depleting the resources that support all life on Earth.
PlanetSave.com
PlanetSave is an online magazine that offers resources and information on environmental, science, and social justice issues.
PlanetSave is an online magazine that offers resources and information on environmental, science, and social justice issues.
Water Aid
WaterAid is an international charity. Our mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.
WaterAid is an international charity. Our mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian charity organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
America Youth Foundation
America Youth Foundation inspires our youth to discover and develop their personal best, to seek balance in mental, physical, social and spiritual living and to make a positive difference in their communities and in the wider world.
America Youth Foundation inspires our youth to discover and develop their personal best, to seek balance in mental, physical, social and spiritual living and to make a positive difference in their communities and in the wider world.
Congressional Youth Leadership
These leadership programs are designed to inspire our youth to reach their full leadership potential while experiencing the nation and the world.
These leadership programs are designed to inspire our youth to reach their full leadership potential while experiencing the nation and the world.
Child Welfare League of America
CWLA focuses the safety, permanence, and well-being of children, youth, and their families by advancing public policy, defining and promoting practice excellence and delivering superior membership services.
CWLA focuses the safety, permanence, and well-being of children, youth, and their families by advancing public policy, defining and promoting practice excellence and delivering superior membership services.
National Mentoring Partnership
This website offers resources, information, and guidance on the benefits of mentoring and becoming a mentor.
This website offers resources, information, and guidance on the benefits of mentoring and becoming a mentor.
Save the Children
Save the Children’s mission is to create lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world.
Save the Children’s mission is to create lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world.
Stand for Children
This organization supports the investment of educating children, ensuring their health and safety so that they have a fair chance in life, creating a better future for our communities.
This organization supports the investment of educating children, ensuring their health and safety so that they have a fair chance in life, creating a better future for our communities.
Teens, Crime, and the Community
TCC's Community Works program helps teens understand how crime affects them and their families, friends, and communities, and it involves them in crime prevention projects to help make their communities safer and more vital.
TCC's Community Works program helps teens understand how crime affects them and their families, friends, and communities, and it involves them in crime prevention projects to help make their communities safer and more vital.
Youth Crime Watch of America
This program empowers youth to take an active role in addressing the problems in their community through fostering positive values, foster good citizenship and build self-confidence.
This program empowers youth to take an active role in addressing the problems in their community through fostering positive values, foster good citizenship and build self-confidence.
This organization provides housing to people in need through the services of volunteers and businesses.
Second Harvest
Second Harvest’s mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.
Second Harvest’s mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.
This site, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and the Center for a New American Dream, helps young people learn how they can make a difference by buying differently.
Using a variety of technology tools, this site provides the information and the actions for students to volunteer and to volunteer in making their world a better place.
PeaceJam brings youth and Nobel Peace Laureates together to tackle the issues on our planet today and is a call to action for youth to come together and think about innovative solutions to these problems.
Other Training Resources BackToTop
Other Curriculum Resources BackToTop
21st CASP's content is easily portable and is a very useful jumping off point because this ambitious set of materials offers dozens of hands-on activities for students in grades four to eight.
Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (Arts, Technology, Foreign Languages, Health & Safety, Language Arts, Math, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies)
LEARNS – NW Regional Education Laboratory Literacy Site (tutoring and volunteer training ideas)
Scholastic.com Lesson Plans (Highly Recommended)
Working with Parents BackToTop
This brief gives examples of afterschool programs that engage parents in meaningful ways and gives research around parental involvement in afterschool.
CYFC offers key information and resources that connects research, teaching, policy, and community practice.
This U.S. Department of Education publication outlines ways to making education related information available and understandable, strategies for connecting with parents, communicating, and moving from information to action.
Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) is a safe school initiative of the National Center for fathering involving fathers and father figures to help create a safe and secure learning environment in our schools.
IDRA developed information, tools, and materials in English and Spanish to use in engaging parents.
This advocacy organization for parental and family involvement provides resources and information for schools, parents, and stakeholders.
This site offers tools, resources, and strategies for creating a meaningful parental involvement and parent-school partnerships in your hands.
This policy brief analyzes factors related to parent involvement among English language learners in the U.S.
This website offers resources on Title 1 Parental Involvement including an annotated bibliography database, a synthesis of the latest research in family and community connections with schools, and strategy briefs and handouts in English and Spanish.
Management BackToTop
Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported by Rigorous Evidence: A User Friendly Guide
Out-of-School Time Evaluation/Tools for Action from Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (Spanish surveys available)
This is a free directory compiled by the United Way to help youth-serving programs find measurement tools for elementary, middle, and/or high school students and youth, parent, staff, and teachers.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)
A grant program funded by the US Department of Education and authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), amended by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001.
The 21st CCLC Program has three primary purposes:
* To provide students with out-of-school-time academic and enrichment opportunities that are specifically designed to help them achieve local and state student goals in primary academic subjects;
* To provide students with a broad array of additional activities that, while different from school-day activities, complement and reinforce school-day learning; and
* To provide adult family members of 21st CCLC students with opportunities in language-learning, literacy, and related educational activities. The 21st CCLC program is designed to serve students attending high-poverty and low-performing schools.
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ACE
Texas Afterschool Centers on Education, (ACE), is a new dynamic brand that communicates the characteristics of the program and creates statewide awareness through the consistent and frequent incorporation of the brand into program outreach.
ACE was developed so Grantees and Centers can easily customize the brand to work in harmony with their estabilished identity, while maintaining the power of a state program.
Activity
A planned event at a 21st CCLC that is designed based on a campus needs assessment and that complements the academic performance, academic achievement and positive youth development of students and their families.
All activities must be based upon the comprehensive Four- Component Activity Guide and offer hands-on methods of instruction.
Activities are required to be a minimum of 45 minutes in length and planned for each hour a center is open.
Activity Component
One of the four required elements for a Texas 21st CCLC program; Academic Assistance, Enrichment, Family & Parental Support Services, and College and Workforce Readiness
Activity Types
Academic Assistance
Activities that specifically target students whose academic performance has been deemed to be in need of improvement given that the student is not performing at grade level, is failing, or is otherwise performing below average. Activities in this category support all educational areas as needed to promote student achievement and success in their school experiences. Examples include: tutoring, homework help, or other forms of service delivery that specifically involve students identified as in need of academic improvement.
Activities that specifically target students whose academic performance has been deemed to be in need of improvement given that the student is not performing at grade level, is failing, or is otherwise performing below average. Activities in this category support all educational areas as needed to promote student achievement and success in their school experiences. Examples include: tutoring, homework help, or other forms of service delivery that specifically involve students identified as in need of academic improvement.
Enrichment
Activities that expand on students’ learning that provide positive social, cultural, recreational, interpersonal skills, and experiences to enrich and expand students’ understanding of life and involvement in community. They allow the participants to apply knowledge and skills stressed in school to real-life experiences. Examples include: community service projects, creative arts, fitness, leadership training and life skills.
Activities that expand on students’ learning that provide positive social, cultural, recreational, interpersonal skills, and experiences to enrich and expand students’ understanding of life and involvement in community. They allow the participants to apply knowledge and skills stressed in school to real-life experiences. Examples include: community service projects, creative arts, fitness, leadership training and life skills.
Family and Parental Support Services
Ongoing and educational activities that support and help increase the participation of parents in the students’ educational experience.
Ongoing and educational activities that support and help increase the participation of parents in the students’ educational experience.
Adult/ Family activities require sustained participation of adult family members in order to achieve the acquisition of knowledge or a skill. Examples of activities that conform to these requirements would include GED and ESL classes, classes on how to develop a resume, or a programming series on effective parenting strategies.
One-time, non-recurring, or special events such as Parent Nights/ Open House are included in this category, and while they are not likely to conform to the above requirements, they are important and should be conducted in addition to the ongoing, educational family activities.
College & Career Readiness
Activities that target either youths and/or adults participating in the 21st CCLC program and are designed to promote workforce awareness, job and/or college readiness, skills training, preparation for the workforce, and assistance in the attainment of employment and/or funding for college. Examples include career clubs, college admissions assistance/ preparation, dual credit, and job recruitment/ entrepreneurial activities.
Activities that target either youths and/or adults participating in the 21st CCLC program and are designed to promote workforce awareness, job and/or college readiness, skills training, preparation for the workforce, and assistance in the attainment of employment and/or funding for college. Examples include career clubs, college admissions assistance/ preparation, dual credit, and job recruitment/ entrepreneurial activities.
Adjunct Site
A facility where supplementary programming/activities occur on an occasional basis and support the activities offered at the main center. (For example: swimming pools, recreational facilities, bowling alley, etc.).
Programming at adjunct sites must not replace or exceed the amount of programming offered at the main center.
Adult/ Family Member Attendee
Immediate family members or guardians of participating children who participate in educational services or other activities appropriate for adults provided by the center.
Participating adults must be 19 years of age or older and cannot be in high school.
Advocacy
Providing education to individuals, stake-holders, and policy-makers about the value and impact of after-school programs in general and in one’s local community
Attended
Any participant present in at least one 45-minute 21st CCLC program activity
AYP
Adequate Yearly Progress- Under the accountability provisions in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, all public school campuses, school districts, and the state are evaluated for Adequate Yearly Progress. Districts, campuses, and the state are required to meet AYP criteria on three measures: Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, and either Graduation Rate (for high schools and districts) or Attendance Rate (for elementary and middle/junior high schools).
If a campus, district, or state that is receiving Title I, Part A funds fails to meet AYP for two consecutive years, that campus, district, or state is subject to certain requirements such as offering supplemental education services, offering school choice, and/or taking corrective actions.
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Center
A 21st CCLC center is the physical location where grant-funded services and activities are provided to participating students and their families.
A center is characterized by defined hours of operation; a dedicated staff that plans, facilitates, and supervises program activities; and an administrative structure that requires a full-time Site Coordinator.
A community learning center offers academic enrichment, youth development activities, and artistic, and cultural enrichment opportunities to students and their families during non-school hours (before or after school) or periods when school is not in session (including holidays, weekends, and summer recess).
Certified Teacher
An individual holding a current Texas teaching certification. May teach as part of the after-school program.
Community-Based Organization (CBO)
Usually nonprofit or faith-based organizations with goals to provide services to a community or a portion of a community. An entity organized and operated exclusively for one or more of the purposes set forth in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c) (3). In order to be identified as a Community-Based Organization/Nonprofit Agency, an organization should not be classifiable as a Nationally Affiliated Nonprofit Agency or a Faith-Based Organization.
Community Service
Volunteer activities undertaken to help others or to help the general community.
Contractor (aka vendors)
Individual or organization providing after-school programming, not a school district employee. Any entity or person not employed by an ISD who is contracted or provides paid services for the 21st CCLC program.
Critical Success Factors
Critical success factors reflect behavioral changes that must be demonstrated by students enrolled in the program or by the adults working on their behalf. They are essential for 21st CCLC programs to succeed in meeting the five objectives defined for the program and are all indicators of student success. (See also: Milestones)
Cycle
A cohort of grantees selected for 21st CCLC funds for a 5 year period.
Cycle Year
The federal definition of a School Year which starts with the Summer term followed by Fall and Spring terms. This is different from Texas’ School Year which begins with the Fall term and ends with the Summer term.
Enrolled
An entity Any participant that is registered to attend a 21st CCLC program activity. Enrollment usually occurs at the beginning of each term. Participants must be Enrolled in an activity before being reported as Attended.
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Faith-Based Organization
An entity whose primary program area can be defined as being religion related. A Faith-Based Organization could be a religious congregation or an organization that primarily undertakes activities that are of a religious nature. Please note that YMCAs/YWCAs are not considered to be faith-based organizations. Note: grant funds must not be used to pay for religious worship, instruction, or proselytization.
Feeder School
Any public or private school that is served by a designated host center (e.g. students from School A are transported to School B which is the host center).
Feeder Pattern
A situation when students attend one school and upon completion move to another school (e.g. elementary to middle school; middle school to high school).
Final Yearly Report
Performance report required 30 days after the end of each grant period (spring term). Required in order for grantees to receive their final 10% funding.
Fundraising
Solicitation of gifts and bequests, endowment drives, financial campaigns, and similar expenses incurred to raise capital or obtain contributions. 21st CCLC grant funds must not be used for fundraising purposes.
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Grantee
The entity serving as the fiscal agent for a given 21st CCLC grant. May consist of ISDs, CBOs, FBOs, etc…
GPRA
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993. Statute that requires all federal agencies to manage their activities with attention to the consequences of those activities. Texas manages its 21st CCLC activity progress through performance measures reported in Final Yearly Reports.
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In-Kind
Goods, commodities, services and/or staff that are given and are not funded directly by the 21st CCLC Grantee.
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LPA
Learning Point Associates – Vendor contracted by the U.S. Department of Education (USDoE) to provide PPICS, the federal data tracking system application to which all states (if applicable) report their 21st CCLC aggregate data for evaluation.
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Mentoring
Mentoring activities primarily are characterized by matching students one-on-one with one or more adult role models for guidance and support, often from businesses or the community. (See also: Critical Success Factors)
Milestones
Key strategies that establish the foundation on which critical success factors are built. 21st CCLC programs must develop activities that ensure each of the milestones is met.
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Nationally Affiliated Nonprofit Agency (Type of Partner)
A nonprofit organization that is associated with a national organization. Local YMCAs, YWCAs, and Boys and Girls Clubs are all considered to be nationally affiliated nonprofit agencies. Entities such as the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts and Big Brothers/Big Sisters should be identified under the category of Nationally Affiliated Nonprofit Agency – Other.
Non-Recurring
Refers to an activity/event that is a one-time event, or held less than once a month (See also: Recurring).
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Paraprofessional (After-school support staff)
Non-degreed program support, .i.e. college students, non-certified teachers. Person employed or contracted by the Grantee that is a non-professional certified instructor. Generally assigned as a classroom assistant.
Participant
An eligible student or adult family member who attends a 21st CCLC program activitiy
Partner
An organization other than the grantee that actively contributes to the 21st CCLC-funded project either monetarily, materially, or with services.
Performance Measures
Standards that are prescribed by the state that dictate the performance criteria to which grantees will need to conform in the operation of their 21st CCLC-funded programs.
Period Selection
A representation of a block of time usually in reference to a school day (before, after, weekends)
PPICS
The 21st CCLC Profile and Performance Information Collection System (PPICS) is a web-based data collection system funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It was designed to collect comprehensive information on program characteristics, services, and performance data across a broad range of outcomes for state-administered 21st CCLC programs.
Data are collected in order to monitor how the program is operating under state administration, and to provide the USDE with the capacity to respond to Congressional, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and other Departmental inquiries about the program.
Texas is one of 13 states that do not require grantees to enter data directly into PPICS. (See also TX21st)
Pre/Post Tests
An academic instrument used to measure a student’s status and progress during two points within a given timeframe (Ex: per term/ semester) . Pre- and post-tests are required for tutorial activities and are useful for obtaining impact data. Acceptable pre/post tests include: district approved pre/post test, district approved benchmark tests, grades.
Grades can be used to measure student progress, but the grades measured should be reflective of the type of tutoring the student receives (ex: if a student receives Math tutoring, their Math grade at two points throughout the given time frame should be used as the appropriate measure).
PRIME
Planning + Resourcing + Implementing+ Managing = Enduring
A framework or “blueprint” for afterschool, which contains critical program elements that all Texas 21st CCLC stakeholders will focus their afterschool programs.
Project Director
A Project Director is responsible for managing, coordinating, and overseeing all 21st CCLC grant activities. This is a required, full-time position to oversee all requirements and program-related issues including: staff training, data collections, and program implementation. The Project Director serves as the main contact with TEA.
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Recurring
Refers to an activity/event that is held on a regular basis, or is a on-going. (See also: Non-recurring)
Regular Attendee
Refers to students that have attended a 21st CCLC program for at least 30 days (which do not have to be consecutive) during one year.
This definition was provided by USDE/ PPICS that TEA uses to define a regular student. However, 21st CCLC is not intended to be a casual or “drop-in” program and eligible students should be those who can attend the full, comprehensive program.
21st CCLC programs should adopt practices that support regular, sustained student participation in order to show academic gains.
Related Student (for adult)
Student participant directly related to or under guardianship of an adult participant
Reporting Period
The designated timeframe with which specific data about the 21st CCLC program and attendees is collected and reported. Data collections occur in TX21st three times per year (Summer, Fall, & Spring) and annually through the Final Yearly Report. (See also Term)
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Schedule
A typical representation of when and how often an activity will be given
School In Need of Improvement
Under Title I, School Improvement Program of No Child Left Behind, a Local Education Agency or campus that does not meet Adequate Yearly Progress for two consecutive years will be considered in need of improvement.
Service Learning
A teaching method that connects meaningful community service experience with academic learning (the TEKS), personal growth, and civic responsibility. Curriculum-based community service that integrates classroom instruction with community instruction, and with community service activities.
According to the Texas Center For Service-Learning (www.txcsl.org), in Texas, high quality service-learning programs have the following components:
S – Student leadership
T – Thoughtful service
A – Authentic learning
R – Reflections
S – Sustainable partners
T – Thoughtful service
A – Authentic learning
R – Reflections
S – Sustainable partners
Service-learning can be applied across all subjects and grade levels and it helps students build character and become active participants as they work with others in their school and community to create service projects in areas like education, public safety, and the environment.
Site Coordinator
A Site Coordinator is responsible for the oversight of one center. This is a required, full-time position for Cycles 5 & 6.
Duties include: coordinating all center activities to ensure alignment with the school day, being readily available during the school day to provide advocacy for students enrolled in the program, working with principals and school officials regarding recruitment efforts, conducting campus needs assessments, developing the campus service delivery plan, meeting with students, parents, and teachers to communicate student needs, facilitating student assessments, interventions, and personal graduation plans. Site Coordinators are also responsible for ensuring the safety and integrity of student data, which is entered into TX21st in a timely manner.
Supplemental Educational Services
Supplemental educational services are additional academic instruction designed to increase the academic achievement of students in schools that have not met state targets for increasing student achievement (adequate yearly progress) for three or more years. These services may include tutoring and after-school services. They may be offered through public- or private-sector providers that are approved by the state, such as public schools, public charter schools, local education agencies, educational service agencies, and faith-based organizations. Students from low-income families who remain in Title I schools that fail to meet state standards for at least three years are eligible to receive supplemental educational services.
State Assessment
The assessment(s) administered by a given state relied upon by the state education agency (SEA) to meet consolidated reporting requirements under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. In Texas, these assessments are known as the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).
Subcontractor
An organization that is under contract with the grantee to provide 21st CCLC grant-funded activities or services. For reporting purposes, a subcontractor is considered to be a type of partner.
Sustainability
Plausible promise of continuing an after-school program without reliance on a single funding stream.
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Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS)
The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) is a statewide standardized testing system to assess student learning. The TAKS is used in Texas primary and secondary schools to assess students' attainment of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies skills required under Texas education standards. It is supervised by the Texas Education Agency. Though created before the No Child Left Behind Act was passed, it complies with the law. It replaced the previous test, called the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills or TAAS, in 2003.
TAKS tests are aligned with the grade-level skills outlined in TEKS.
Term
Relates to a semester within a year. There are 3 terms: Summer, Fall, and Spring. The federal reporting term begins with Summer and ends with the Spring term. (See Also Reporting Period)
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
The state-mandated learning standards for the skills that students should learn in every grade in Texas. Implemented in 1998 by the Texas Education Agency.
Timeslot
A block of time during which an activity occurs denoted by a start and end time block (i.e. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Title I School
A school with a high percentage of students from low-income families that typically have around 40% or more of its students that come from families that qualify under the United States Census's definitions as low-income.
Tutoring
Individualized subject-specific study to build skills in identified areas of need conducted in small group settings. Focuses on skill acquisition through intentional sequence; time in tutoring activity based on need. Pre and Post-Testing is required to determine progress.
TX21st
The Texas 21st CCLC Student Tracking System, formerly known as the Texas 21st CCLC Tracking & Reporting System, which all grantees are required to enter aggregated student and programmatic data three terms per year (Summer, Fall, Spring). The information is uploaded to the federal database, PPICS, annually.
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Volunteer
Refers to staff that are not paid with 21st CCLC funds.
