Program Update July 7, 2025
On June 30, the U.S. Department of Education informed states that it is withholding critical education funding—including 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grants, and the Massachusetts Migrant Education Program funds—for the 2025–2026 school year. These funds, appropriated by Congress and signed into law on March 15, 2025, were expected to be released to states on July 1 to support both summer learning underway now and programs beginning this fall. Instead, the Administration has paused funding for 21st CCLC and four other key formula grant programs, citing a need to complete a review before issuing Grant Award Notifications. We are monitoring the impact on 11 different CES 21st CCLC afterschool and summer programs, spanning Orange, Greenfield, Amherst, Granby, Easthampton, Ware, and West Springfield. In FY25, these CES programs served 561 students.
CES has been in close communication with our contacts at the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and we were pleased to learn from DESE that they had already reserved a percentage of funding already allocated that will support the summer, and some of the fall needs. The CES summer 21st CCLC programs in these communities, as well as our statewide Migrant Education operations for summer, have funding and will continue as planned. The U.S. The Department of Education is reviewing FY25 funding for the Migrant Education program, Effective Educators, English Learners, Perkins, and Out-of-School 21st Century Community Learning Centers (after school programs), and decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year. Please rest assured that we are pursuing constant communication and advocacy with the state on this matter, and are endeavoring to clarify as quickly as possible the status of fall programming.
We Believe That Every Student Can Learn and Succeed
We are committed to providing positive high-quality after school experiences that help young people develop skills and confidence that will help them find success in school and in life. Such experiences are particularly important for students who have not found success on the traditional path of text-based classroom education.
The Experience
CES After School programs begin when the end-of-day school bell rings. Students gather for a healthy snack and catch up with their friends. Students then do their homework with the support of teachers and staff. Afterwards, participants enjoy hour-long enrichment activities of their choice, including those below, and more!
- Robotics
- Music
- Dance
- Art
- Theatre
- Cartooning
- Karate
The Research
Our programs reflect current research showing that after school programs are most effective when they:
- Engage students in Service Learning and long term projects
- Integrate relevant academic learning
- Address the different needs of individual students
- Capitalize on our students’ interests and strengths
- Offer a variety of meaningful activities
- Provide opportunities for caring adults to guide students’ choices.
Enroll Your Student
Enrichment activities might include options such as outdoor adventures, gardening, music, art, and service learning. At the end of each semester, thr program puts on a Show Case Event that families can attend to see what their children have learned. This project-based learning helps students enrich and strengthen their academic, social, and life skills while having fun and staying interested.
CES Schools and services prohibit descrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation and ensures that all students have equal rights of access and equal enjoyment of the opportunities, advantages, privileges, and courses of study.
Volunteering
Are you interested in helping today’s youth achieve more? Do you want to be a positive role model for kids? Do you want to make a difference? Then the 21st CLCC After School programs could be just the place for you! Have fun and gain knowledge, share what brings joy in your life, and help students find what can bring them joy!
How you can help:
- Volunteer afternoons
Tutor in an academic subject
Be a mentor
Share your life experiences
Teach cooking
Share your passions
Starting a New Program
CES has managed a network of after school programs since 1998, and has demonstrated the ability to start up new high quality sites. Many of our grant funded programs have been designated with DESE’s Exemplary status via a highly competitive process. This is a testament to our dedicated staff, partnering school districts, and the CES After School Department.
CES school year and summer programs offer Project-Based Learning and Service Learning activities to immerse students in hands-on learning experiences that develop both their academic and social-emotional skills.
Choose CES as Your Partner
CES After School programs are not off-the-shelf, pre-packaged programs. We customize each program to the needs of your school and community. We’ll conduct needs assessment with teachers, school personnel, and parents to craft a program that really suits your school and meets your goals. As a partner, we bring to the table deep experience in creating and managing high quality programs for all age ranges, and for students across the learning continuum.
While CES is expanding from many programs supported by grants into newer, fee-for-service programs, we are able to keep our per student, per day fees low compared to other after school options – and still offer excellent staff and engaging enrichment opportunities.
Donating
We invite you to give to the CES After School Fund. Your donation will support our ability to offer enrichment programs to after school students, and will help to support students who might not otherwise be able to afford enrollment in a program.
21st Century After School Programs are in part supported by a generous grant from the United Way of Pioneer Valley.
Contact 21st Century/After School Programs
Karen Reuter
Karen Reuter, M.S., is the Deputy Director for the Collaborative for Educational Services. Karen was previously a part of the leadership team at SABIS International Charter School in Springfield, MA from 2005 until 2019. At SABIS, she held positions including Director for Academics, Deputy Director, and was the school’s Director for 10 years. In that position, she was the SABIS district leader, supervising a staff of 180. Prior to joining SABIS, Karen was the Director of 21st Century Community Learning Centers at CES (then named the Hampshire Educational Collaborative). She has also been a History and Humanities teacher, and is currently a licensed K-12 Principal.
Position: Deputy Director
Email: kreuter@collaborative.org
Phone: 413.588.5963
Marie McCourt
Marie McCourt is the Assistant Director of the 21st Century Learning Centers After School program at CES. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Human Resources from Walden University, a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership from Concordia University, and is currently researching for her Doctorate in Management and Leadership at St. Thomas University. Prior to coming to CES, Marie owned a successful computer business for several years, worked in administration for an engineering recruiting firm, and led marketing departments for a number of small local businesses. Marie’s interests lie in technology, women’s leadership, community service and special/alternative education.
Position: Assistant Director, 21st Century Learning Centers
Email: mmccourt@collaborative.org
Phone: 413.586.4900 x5578