May 9, 2012 (Sacramento):  Sacramento City Unified School District has been approved to receive $4.1 million in federal grants to support and expand student learning before and after the bell rings and during the summer.

The 21st Century Afterschool Program grants will allow SCUSD to continue its innovative slate of programs aimed at enriching the educational experience for kids, boosting their academic performance and teaching them about healthy living.

The California Department of Education, which administers the grant program, notified SCUSD that it intends to award the district $2.9 million in 21st Century Community Learning Center funds to support and expand after-school and summer learning programs in elementary schools and community-based settings. This amount represents 23 percent of what was awarded in 21st Century Community Learning Center grants to the entire state.

“We are thrilled that our programs are being recognized and rewarded with this funding,” said SCUSD Superintendent Jonathan Raymond. “By expanding the window for learning we can close achievement gaps and meet our goal of providing a quality education to every student.”

CDE said it also intends to grant SCUSD $1.2 million to support the renewal of after-school programs at C.K. McClatchy, John F. Kennedy, Hiram Johnson and American Legion high schools, with expansion to Sacramento Charter High. The funds will also allow SCUSD to expand after-school family engagement programs.

“Our teens need and deserve an enriching experience when they come to school,” Superintendent Raymond said. “These grants allow us to make that happen.”

SCUSD is the only awardee in Sacramento County for the high school programs.