Texas 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Issue No 13 - Previous Issue

In the Spotlight:
H. Grady Spruce High School: A Texas Best Practice Program

What do strong high school afterschool programs have in common? Several characteristics consistently emerge as keys to success. They include student enthusiasm, high levels of parental and community support, school administration buy-in, and the quality of program staff. Read more.

Youth Educate Youth Through Theatre: Youth Theatre Fest 08

Is it normal for your boyfriend to call you 24/7? Is it okay to say no? Should you feel safe in a relationship? What rights and responsibilities do you have in a dating relationship? These were some of the questions explored through an interactive play for youth by youth, presented in late April during the Youth Theatre Fest in Austin, Texas. Read more.

Great Grant and Funding Opportunities Available Now

The Finance Project monthly funding tips; grants for arts, literacy, and family violence prevention; awards for youth internationalism, and more!

Click Here to review some recommended funding and grant opportunies and for more resources on where to find funding.

HAPPENING IN TEXAS:
Port Isabel’s Project PUENTE Celebrates its First Afterschool Showcase

On May 9, 2008 Point Isabel I.S.D. held the first showcase of its afterschool program, Project PUENTE (Port Isabel United in Educating Neighbors Towards Equity). This event gave the community and parents a chance to view the 21st CCLC program at work. Students from Garriga Elementary School handed out programs; Derry Elementary School students cheered, danced ballet folklórico, and played the guitar; Port Isabel Junior High School students read poetry, showed off their expertise at a new activity called Dance Dance Revolution, and performed a group hip-hop dance. Port Isabel High School students read poetry and commented on the benefits of the afterschool program. Students took responsibility for creating decorations for this special event and baked some of the goods handed out at the end of the evening. All of the schools had pictures and artwork displayed at the event.

It was a successful evening that showcased the accomplishments of participants in the afterschool program!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SLIDESHOW FROM THE EVENT