Title 20 › CHAPTER 70 — STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVEMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS › SUBCHAPTER IV — 21ST CENTURY SCHOOLS › Part B — 21st Century Community Learning Centers › § 7171
Creates chances for communities to open or grow community learning centers that help students do better in school, especially those in low-performing schools. These centers must give extra academic help like tutoring and other activities outside regular school hours (before or after school, or during summer) that support what students learn in class. They must also offer a wide mix of services and programs—such as youth development, health and nutrition education, arts and music, fitness, technology and career training, internships or apprenticeships, and other supports tied to in-demand jobs. Families must be given ways to take part in their children’s education, including chances to improve literacy. The law also defines several terms. Community learning center: an organization that provides academic enrichment and other out-of-school activities that match students’ schoolwork and involve families. Covered program: a program that had a grant under this part before the Every Student Succeeds Act took effect and whose grant period was still active on that date. Eligible entity: a local education agency, community group, Indian tribe or tribal organization (as defined in federal law), another public or private group, or a consortium of two or more of these. External organization: a nonprofit experienced with before/after-school or summer programs, or a local nonprofit partnered with one for mentoring. Rigorous peer-review process: state education staff check applications, the state picks expert reviewers who are not applicants or their representatives, and reviewers score applications against the program’s legal requirements. State: the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
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Legislative History
Reference
Citation
20 U.S.C. § 7171
Title 20, Education
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110