GARDINER — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kennebec Valley has received its fifth award from the state Department of Education for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.

Funded under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, this program offers competitive grant funding to support before-school, after-school, and summer learning programs focused on enhancing the academic performance of students from Pre-K through grade 12.

In partnership with School Administrative District 11 and Regional School Unit 12, the club will provide comprehensive educational programming for the next four years for Gardiner Regional Middle School students at the club in Gardiner, and grades two to eight students at Chelsea and Whitefield elementary schools.

Holly Jordan, the Teen Center/21st CCLC director, has been instrumental in implementing the 21st the programming at clubhouses for the past 20 years. The funding addresses the diverse and evolving needs of all students, offering them hands-on, personalized instruction and a learning environment distinct from traditional schooling. These opportunities include unique field trips and small-group mentoring.

This funding ensures that all students, irrespective of their abilities, have a secure space to learn and grow, without imposing any financial burden on their parents.

For more information visit afterschoolalliance.org.

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