Part I— 21st Century Community Learning Centers
§8241. Short title
This part may be cited as the "21st Century Community Learning Centers Act".
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§8242. Findings
The Congress finds that—
(1) a local public school often serves as a center for the delivery of education and human resources for all members of a community;
(2) public schools, primarily in rural and inner city communities, should collaborate with other public and nonprofit agencies and organizations, local businesses, educational entities (such as vocational and adult education programs, school-to-work programs, community colleges, and universities), recreational, cultural, and other community and human service entities, for the purpose of meeting the needs of, and expanding the opportunities available to, the residents of the communities served by such schools;
(3) by using school facilities, equipment, and resources, communities can promote a more efficient use of public education facilities, especially in rural and inner city areas where limited financial resources have enhanced the necessity for local public schools to become social service centers;
(4) the high technology, global economy of the 21st century will require lifelong learning to keep America's workforce competitive and successful, and local public schools should provide centers for lifelong learning and educational opportunities for individuals of all ages; and
(5) 21st Century Community Learning Centers enable the entire community to develop an education strategy that addresses the educational needs of all members of local communities.
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§8243. Program authorization
(a) Grants by Secretary
The Secretary is authorized, in accordance with the provisions of this part, to award grants to rural and inner-city public elementary or secondary schools, or consortia of such schools, to enable such schools or consortia to plan, implement, or to expand projects that benefit the educational, health, social service, cultural, and recreational needs of a rural or inner-city community.
(b) Equitable distribution
In awarding grants under this part, the Secretary shall assure an equitable distribution of assistance among the States, among urban and rural areas of the United States, and among urban and rural areas of a State.
(c) Grant period
The Secretary shall award grants under this part for a period not to exceed 3 years.
(d) Amount
The Secretary shall not award a grant under this part in any fiscal year in an amount less than $35,000.
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§8244. Application required
(a) Application
To be eligible to receive a grant under this part, an elementary or secondary school or consortium shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably prescribe. Each such application shall include—
(1) a comprehensive local plan that enables the school or consortium to serve as a center for the delivery of education and human resources for members of a community;
(2) an evaluation of the needs, available resources, and goals and objectives for the proposed project in order to determine which activities will be undertaken to address such needs; and
(3) a description of the proposed project, including—
(A) a description of the mechanism that will be used to disseminate information in a manner that is understandable and accessible to the community;
(B) identification of Federal, State, and local programs to be merged or coordinated so that public resources may be maximized;
(C) a description of the collaborative efforts to be undertaken by community-based organizations, related public agencies, businesses, or other appropriate organizations;
(D) a description of how the school or consortium will serve as a delivery center for existing and new services, especially for interactive telecommunication used for education and professional training; and
(E) an assurance that the school or consortium will establish a facility utilization policy that specifically states—
(i) the rules and regulations applicable to building and equipment use; and
(ii) supervision guidelines.
(b) Priority
The Secretary shall give priority to applications describing projects that offer a broad selection of services which address the needs of the community.
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§8245. Uses of funds
Grants awarded under this part may be used to plan, implement, or expand community learning centers which include not less than four of the following activities:
(1) Literacy education programs.
(2) Senior citizen programs.
(3) Children's day care services.
(4) Integrated education, health, social service, recreational, or cultural programs.
(5) Summer and weekend school programs in conjunction with recreation programs.
(6) Nutrition and health programs.
(7) Expanded library service hours to serve community needs.
(8) Telecommunications and technology education programs for individuals of all ages.
(9) Parenting skills education programs.
(10) Support and training for child day care providers.
(11) Employment counseling, training, and placement.
(12) Services for individuals who leave school before graduating from secondary school, regardless of the age of such individual.
(13) Services for individuals with disabilities.
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§8246. "Community learning center" defined
For the purpose of this part, the term "community learning center" means an entity within a public elementary or secondary school building that—
(1) provides educational, recreational, health, and social service programs for residents of all ages within a local community; and
(2) is operated by a local educational agency in conjunction with local governmental agencies, businesses, vocational education programs, institutions of higher education, community colleges, and cultural, recreational, and other community and human service entities.
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§8247. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the four succeeding fiscal years, to carry out this part.
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