HomeCommunity Learning Centers
Definition & Current Services: A Full Service Community School (or Community Learning Center) is a public elementary or secondary school that coordinates multiple federal, state, and/or local educational and social service programs through community-based organizations and public/private partnerships. The purpose of these schools is to improve the coordination, delivery, effectiveness, and efficiency of services provided to families and children. Improving academic outcomes for students and quality of life for the community are key elements of successful programs.
In the Salt Lake City School District, Community Learning Centers are established at 34 of 36 school sites, including elementary, middle and high school settings. Each site offers unique classes and community-based services linked to community interest and needs. These include before and after school programs for students, credit recovery classes for secondary students, evening classes for youth and adults, and services provided by community based organizations. The district has over 85 partner organizations established with partnership agreements in place.
In the future, the district hopes to completely realize the Community Learning Center model and work to expand services that have typically been harder to provide. These services require specialized spaces that don’t typically exist in school buildings including specialized spaces for medical and/or mental health services, early childhood rooms, and space dedicated and appropriate for adult learners. These expanded services and appropriate spaces are currently provided at the new Rose Park School Community Center.
SLCSD Key Accomplishments and Highlights:
- Developed first statewide, CLC “report card” for distribution to State and National Legislators. Report card model used each year since
- Key district people invited to present at state and national conferences to share best practices and advocate for youth services locally and nationally
- Despite decreasing funding nationally, district CLC professionals have leveraged over $18 million in grants and local resources to build strong programs
Schools involved in the SLCSD expansion:
Evaluation Phase:Full Service Community Learning Center Many schools have multiple components in place and are preparing to expand services: Implementation Phase: |
Rose Park Community Learning Center
Lincoln Elementary School |
Current Partnerships:
Healthcare providers, early childhood experts, refugee service providers, higher education, mental health, mentoring organizations, arts organizations, health and wellness partners, boy and girl scouts, adult education.
Partnerships targeted for expansion:
Additional Healthcare Services, Mental Health, Literacy Centers, Parent Resources, and Workforce Development.
Contacts
For further information about Community Learning Centers in the Salt Lake City School District, call or e-mail:
Heidi Clark Pam Pedersen |
Mary Hancey Laurie Lacy |
