Welcome

Check here for the latest research, articles of interest, local resources, best practices resources and up-to-date state and national legislative news, funding opportunities and training and quality resources for the after school field. 

   LATEST NEWS

New! Learning Doesn't Take a Vacation - a new directory of dozens of informal science and nature centers throughout Connecticut in conjunction with the Governor's No Child Left Inside initiative totaling 192 fun and family-friendly learning opportunities available throughout Connecticut.  

You can download the full directory here.

If you’d like to view activities by county, visit: www.ctacad.org/vacation.cfm.

*********************************************

New!  21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant RFP Released

The Request for Proposals is available on line on the Connecticut State Department of Education website. Please click here to download the RFP in Microsoft Word format. 

To see an example of the level of detail and types of information and charts included in successful grant applications, please click here.

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions click here.

To download the slides from the Bidder's Conference held on June 8, 2009, please click here.

Purpose:  To support community learning centers that provide programs focused on helping children in high-need schools to succeed academically through the use of scientifically-based practice and extended learning time.

Date Posted:                        June 5, 2009

Application Deadline:           July 9, 2009

WHO CAN APPLY FOR THIS GRANT? All local educational agencies, community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and other public or private organizations, or a consortium of two or more agencies, organizations, or entities that may include, but not limited to, local and regional boards of education, Regional Educational Service Centers applying on behalf of Local Education Agencies, charter and magnet schools are eligible to apply/receive funds from the State under this program, as long as they primarily serve students that attend schools with a high concentration of poor students, giving priority to applicants serving children in low-performing schools. This applies to all designated Title I and priority schools. The stipulation that a minimum of 40 percent of the student population identified as recipients of free/reduced lunch must be met.

***************************************************

New!  Contact Your Legislator Today and Ask Them to Support After School Funding!

The state legislature and Governor Rell are continuing to negotiate the state budget. The Governor's latest proposal shows just how devastating cuts will be if they do not take steps to balance the budget cuts with enhanced revenues. Half of all after school funding would be entirely eliminated if this happens, leaving only the federal 21st Century Community Learning Center funding.

It is important that legislators hear from after school supporters this month. Please call your local state senators and representatives and tell them that you support the after school funding in the state budget. It is essential that we support legislators for making tough decisions and taking the first steps toward an honest and fair state budget plan. These legislators are getting hammered with calls and emails, so they really need to hear from supporters! Click here for details!