New Bill Lets Ohio After-School Programs Give School Credit

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — New legislation would allow students enrolled in 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and other out-of-school programming, to receive class credit in Ohio. The bill was introduced this week by State Rep. Janine Boyd, a Democrat from Cleveland Heights.

“A child’s education doesn’t just happen during the school day. For many Ohio students, out-of-school time (OST) learning plays a pivotal role in their development,” said Boyd. “OST programs in my district and around the state provide structured, supervised learning opportunities, including family engagement, peer mentorship, health and wellness, enrichment time, academics and other valuable life skills.”

In Cleveland Heights, an example of a 21st Century Community Learning Center is the Noble STREAM, an after-school learning program run through Noble Elementary. The program is open to kids in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center's program provides opportunities for children from economically disadvantaged families to receive academic support. Nearly 285,000 Ohio students are enrolled in one of these program and another 850,000 students are on waiting lists to join a program.

Boyd's office said a recent study of 21st Century Community Learning Center program nationwide found that most students saw an improvement in behavior, half saw improvements in math and language arts grades and two-thirds improved their homework completion rate.

A nationwide study of students who regularly attend a Community Learning Center found that half saw improvements in math and language arts grades, and two-thirds improved homework completion and class participation. Most students also saw overall improvements in behavior.

“OST programs are making a difference in the lives of students across Ohio, expanding opportunities for them to develop the skills they need to succeed in and out of the classroom,” Boyd said. “Allowing these students to receive credit for participating in these innovative programs strengthens public education and renews our promise to invest in our children’s future.”

A list of the 21st Century Community Learning Center's recognized by the state has beenshared online by the Ohio Department of Education.