LOWELL – Lowell Public Schools has been awarded $470,676 to support before and after-school programming at five district schools through the federally-funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program.
This funding is for three years and has been awarded to the McAuliffe Elementary School, Shaughnessy Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Butler Middle School, and Stoklosa Middle School, all of which have been designated as “Exemplary” under the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Grant Review process for 21st CCLC funding.
“The 21st Century program is a place where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow—not only academically, but socially and emotionally,” said McAuliffe School 21st Century after-school site manager Kristen Wade. “For those students who are new to our school, it becomes a place where they can make friends, feel welcome, and know they belong. Every day, we see their confidence bloom and their curiosity spark, and that’s what makes this program so special.”
The program provides a variety of ways for students to engage in programs that improve their attendance, academic, and social skills such as cooking, poetry, basketball, gardening, Legos, yoga, architecture, and more.
Students also engage with community partners such as Mill City Grows, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Lowell Police, the YWCA, and the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program.
“The 21st Century Extended Learning Program supports the Shaughnessy School by deepening student learning through hands-on, project-based experiences in science and gardening,” said Shaughnessy Principal Dr. Jason McCrevan. “It strengthens oral language skills, builds teamwork, and engages families through community partnerships like Mill City Grows. The program boosts attendance, reduces behavior issues, and fosters a stronger, more connected school culture.”
