Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been awarded the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The $1.5 million dollar grant, will be used to enhance and broaden current CSS afterschool and summer programs over a three year period.

"This was a very competitive selection process, and we are honored to have been chosen to receive this generous grant," said Director of Community-Based Prevention Services Division of CSS, Amy Stoner. "As 21st Century Community Learning Centers, we now have the technology and resources to align our Out Of School Time Programs with the academic learning that is taking place in the classroom during the school day, as well as follow the PA Core Standards for Education. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to work closely with the schools and the Office of Catholic Education, in evaluating the positive impact after school programs have on academic achievement."

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia operates 12 Out of School Time (OST) Programs in the City of Philadelphia, serving more than 2,200 children in grades K-12th annually. These programs are located at Catholic grade schools, CSS Family Service Centers, and the Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center. Located in neighborhoods with high poverty and crime rates, these programs provide a safe haven for children to access high quality programs.

The Out of School Time Programs is a catalyst in the lives of youth to combat challenges and to promote academic and social success in the areas of reading, writing, math, school attendance, and post-secondary and career exploration. This is achieved by providing students with an array of accessible, enriching and academically focused programs. Funds from the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant will support in part; academic enrichment programs including, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) activities, arts and music, and the expansion of the existing Out of School Time programs.

# # #

Editor's Note: For more information on Catholic Social Services and its Out of School Time Programs please visit http://www.cssoutofschooltime.org

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747