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Enroll now! It's time to register for the 2024-25 School Year!

21st Century Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Worcester Public School District’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers is an after school and summer program that currently serves two middle schools in Worcester, Massachusetts. Programs offer homework support, project-based activities and enrichment activities provided by Worcester Public School educators and/or community partners.

We currently serve Grade 7 and 8 students enrolled at Burncoat Middle School. In addition, we serve Grade 2, 3, 4 and 5 students enrolled at Vernon Hill School.

All programs are offered based upon an award decision by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. There is no guarantee that any of the above 21st Century programs will be offered.

NO! The program is generously funded through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). No student has to pay to participate in the program.

There is no guarantee that any 21st Century after school and summer programs will be offered each year. Programs are provided dependent upon funding administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. However, the District is notified by August each year as to which schools will continue to be funded. In addition, the District typically applies for new 21st Century sites each year and are notified of an award in August. Details on new sites will be provided on the 21st Century website as well as by the schools.

Please see the 21st CCLC Sites tab on the webpage and click your school of choice. Additional details are provided including hours and days of operation. Each school varies.

Please see the 21st CCLC tab on the webpage and click your school of choice. Additional details are provided including if transportation is offered. Each school varies.

YES! The Worcester Public School’s Nutrition Department generously provides a hearty snack during the school year to all 21st Century students. In addition, during the summer the WPS Nutrition Department provides breakfast and lunch to all 21st Century students.

Burncoat Middle School follows this daily schedule during the school year:

Block One

30 minutes of homework support provided by WPS educators while students enjoy a hearty snack.

Block Two/Three

Enrichment activities provided in two rotating 45-minute sessions including activities such as, but not limited to art, theater, sports, science provided by WPS educators and/or community partners.

Elementary school sites including Vernon Hill follow the following daily schedule during the school year:

Block One and Two

Enrichment activities provided in two rotating 45-minute sessions including activities such as, but not limited to art, theater, sports, science provided by WPS educators and/or community partners.

Block Three

30 minutes of homework support provided by WPS educators while students enjoy a hearty snack.

YES! We make every effort to provide field trips in the 21st Century program, if funding is available. Prior field trips have included exploring exhibits at the EcoTarium, taking a nature hike at the MA Audubon Broad Meadow Brook, watching a Bravehearts Baseball game and meeting professional baseball players at Fitton Field located at Holy Cross College, tackling a ropes adventures course at You Inc’s Cottage Hill Academy site in Northern Central Massachusetts, and many other trips!

However, a student can ONLY attend a field trip if a signed permission form is sent back to the school in a timely manner. Any student that does not have a signed field trip permission form on the day of the trip will not be able to attend the activity.

YES! The 21st Century program offers FREE summer programs, which typically take place from the end of June through July. More details will be provided on the website as it becomes available.

 

Registration

Please refer to the Sites page or reach out to the 21st Century site coordinator for information on how to register.

Submit the registration form to the school as soon as possible. Programs are limited in size and are filled on a “first-come, first-served” basis, so the earlier you submit the form, the more likely you are to get your child enrolled in the program.

You will be notified as soon as possible if we are unable to accommodate/register your student, or if your student is placed on a wait-list. If you do not hear from the school, this means your child is enrolled in the program and we look forward to having you!

NOTE: Your registration form will be returned to you if it is not COMPLETELY filled out. This may delay registration and delay the start date of your child in the program.

 

Additional Information

NO. All 21st Century sites are closed on holidays, school vacations and snow days. If the Superintendent makes an announcement that after school activities are cancelled due to inclement weather, 21st Century programs will close as well.

Students can be picked up once the program ends. Please see the 21st CCLC tab on the webpage and click your school of choice. Additional details are provided including what time the program ends. Each school varies.

If you need to pick up your student early, please notify the school/site coordinator in advance.

Please notify the school/site coordinator in advance of your child participating in the program of any medical condition that needs to be addressed.

We employ Worcester Public School District certified educators and staff members, volunteers and local college students. In addition, we partner with local community agencies who provide professional instructors with expertise in their craft. All individuals including WPS staff, volunteers, and community agencies must pass a CORI (background check) prior to providing services to students.

The 21st Century program welcomes volunteers including parents at all sites. Please contact your school/site coordinator or the 21st Century District Program Coordinator at [email protected] for more information.

Please note: All volunteers must pass a CORI check prior to providing services at the school.

YES! We look forward to the opportunity to provide family engagement events throughout the year.

Please contact the school/site coordinator for additional information. You may also find upcoming events on the Program Calendar page and/or News and Events page.

Check out the 21st Century website’s News and Events page. Any important news, updates, program cancellations, etc. will be posted there. We also have a program calendar page that details events, non-program days, and other important information.