A Summer to Remember

For many students, not setting foot in school for a few months is the highlight of summer. But for students attending Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania’s 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) students, their summer was filled with adventure.

Every Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, fifteen middle and high school students met at Trexler Middle School for a morning of educational fun. From cooking sessions to coding classes with Sphero robots, students could count on their program leaders to provide meals, entertainment, and life lessons with their education.

Among the favorite activities were a baking competition with students teaming up to create sweet treats, to a construction project, where students proudly built a picnic table to donate to Trexler. Both tasks integrated measurement techniques, problem-solving skills, and independence that students can apply to real-life situations. They also enjoyed learning the value of recycling and environmental protection while cleaning up the Trexler school property.

“Not only did we practice academic and social-emotional learning, but we also gave the students a chance just to be kids. They hadn't seen each other for over a year and a half, and this was their first opportunity back with their peers,” reflected Erin Phillips, 21st CCLC program manager. “This program also gives us a chance to sit down with the students, get to know them, and build human relationships.”

Two months of fun and learning for students from Trexler Middle School, Francis D. Raub Middle School, and William Allen High School ended on August 5, but many look forward to returning to the after-school check-in program during the 2021-2022 school year that begins on September 20.

Applications for 21st CCLC are currently open for all interested 6th through 12th students in Allentown School District (ASD). Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania’s ASD Site Coordinators can recommend students to participate in the program, and those with academic difficulties are encouraged to apply.

The 21st CCLC program provides academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for students, particularly those who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools in ASD and Easton Area School District. Funding is provided in full or in part through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

To find the application for 21st CCLC in English click here and in Spanish click here. For more information about the 21st CCLC, visit here. To learn more about CISEasternPA, click here.