21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
Empowering young people through academic enrichment, STEAM exploration, career awareness, mentorship, wellness, and family engagement
21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
At the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, afterschool is not empty time. It is opportunity time.
Through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, students in grades 3 through 12 at the Chelsea Club, Drexel Club, and Teen Center participate in safe, structured programming that combines academic support, hands-on enrichment, recreation, nutritious meals, caring mentorship, and career exploration.
Each afternoon provides the consistency young people need to thrive. Members receive a nutritious snack, participate in academic and enrichment activities, and end their day with a full dinner. It is more than a place to go after school. It is a place where young people feel known, supported, and ready to grow.
About 21st CCLC
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program is a federally funded initiative supported by the New Jersey Department of Education. It provides academic enrichment and other meaningful learning opportunities during out-of-school hours, including before school, after school, and summer programming.
The program supports academic achievement, youth development, family engagement, health and wellness, technology education, arts, recreation, and career readiness. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Education.
Grades 3-5:
Explore & Discover
Students strengthen foundational skills through homework support, STEAM projects, arts, recreation, swimming, and collaborative learning.
Grades 6-8
Build Skills & Confidence
Students build confidence through academic enrichment, leadership, teamwork, technology, creative projects, and early career exploration.
Grade 9-12
Prepare for the Future
Teens develop college, career, and workforce skills through mentorship, certifications, service, professional development, and industry exposure.
Career Awareness & Exploration
Our 2025-2026 program theme is Career Awareness and Exploration.
Through robotics, coding, aviation, drone exploration, digital media, music production, engineering challenges, and hands-on design projects, members connect classroom learning to real-world possibilities.
Young people are encouraged to build, test, create, troubleshoot, collaborate, and imagine. What begins as curiosity grows into confidence, career awareness, and a stronger belief in what they can become.
Safety Snapshot
Impact at a Glance
3
Locations
221
Young people enrolled
82
Attended for 30 or more days
76
reported learning skills that prepared them for high school
89
Reported having fun in Club programs
89
Club parents reported strong involvement in their child’s education
Opportunity for Every Stage of Growth
Our 21st CCLC Program serves students from third grade through high school graduation. Programming is designed to meet young people where they are while helping them grow academically, socially, creatively, and professionally.
Funding Agreement
This project was funded in its entirety under Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act, Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant funds, through a grant agreement with the New Jersey Department of Education.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
1616 Pacific Avenue
Suite 500
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
