Fact Check: "The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program was created in 1994."
What We Know
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program was indeed established in 1994 as part of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (NOAA). This program was designed to provide academic enrichment opportunities during out-of-school time, particularly for students attending high-poverty and low-performing schools. It has since grown to become the largest out-of-school program in the United States, serving over 1.5 million students across all 50 states (NOAA, Wikipedia).
The program was further expanded with the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001, which aimed to enhance its reach and effectiveness (21st CCLC Annual Performance Data). The foundational goal of the 21st CCLC program is to provide safe and supportive environments for children while also offering educational support that complements their regular school day.
Analysis
The claim that the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program was created in 1994 is supported by multiple credible sources. The NOAA and the U.S. Department of Education both confirm the program's inception in 1994 under the ESEA (NOAA). Additionally, the Wikipedia entry on the program corroborates this timeline, stating that it was created by Congress in the same year (Wikipedia).
Moreover, a historical overview provided by the Afterschool Alliance details the legislative efforts that led to the program's establishment, highlighting key figures involved in its creation, such as Senator James Jeffords and Representative Steve Gunderson (A Brief History of 21st Century Community Learning Centers). This source adds context to the claim, reinforcing its accuracy by detailing the legislative background.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from established educational and governmental institutions. The NOAA is a reputable federal agency, and the Afterschool Alliance is a well-known organization advocating for afterschool programs. Wikipedia, while generally reliable, is best used as a starting point for verification rather than a primary source, but in this case, it aligns with the information from more authoritative sources.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program was created in 1994 is accurate. This is supported by multiple credible sources, including government reports and educational organizations, confirming its establishment under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
