Is Your 21st CCLC Program Facing an Attendance Crisis? 5 Strategies to Secure Your Funding & Boost Engagement
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson Madnella
Introduction:
Securing and maintaining funding for your 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) program hinges on one crucial factor: attendance. Reaching that critical 85% daily attendance mark is not just a box to check for grant compliance: it's the lifeline of your program. Low attendance jeopardizes future funding and limits the number of students who can benefit from your program's enriching experiences. So, how can you combat declining numbers and create a thriving after-school community? It starts with understanding the root of the issue and implementing proactive strategies.
1. Crack the Code: Recruitment or Retention?
Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to identify the source of your attendance woes. Are you struggling to attract new students or losing existing participants?
Recruitment Roadblocks: If attracting new students is the challenge, focus on boosting your program's visibility and highlighting its unique offerings. Think eye-catching flyers, engaging social media posts, and presentations at school assemblies.
Retention Challenges: If retaining students is the issue, delve deeper into why they aren't returning. Are the activities engaging? Do families feel connected to the program? Gathering feedback through surveys and informal conversations can provide invaluable insights.
2. Build a Buzz-worthy Program with Engaging Activities
Let's face it: kids won't attend if they aren't excited! Ditch the cookie-cutter approach and design activities that ignite curiosity and passion.
Tap into Existing Clubs: Leverage the power of established afterschool clubs like debate, robotics, chess, and drama to attract students with specific interests.
Think Outside the Classroom: Incorporate hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that differ from the typical school day. Field trips, community service projects, and guest speaker sessions can inject excitement and real-world relevance.
3. Turn Parents into Partners: Engage Families and Communities
Remember, parents are critical stakeholders in your program's success. When families feel informed and involved, they're more likely to prioritize attendance.
Open the Lines of Communication: Regular communication is vital. Share newsletters, send text message reminders, and utilize online platforms to update families on program happenings and important announcements.
Build Bridges with the Community: Partner with local organizations and businesses to offer workshops, family events, and volunteer opportunities. This fosters community and demonstrates the program's value beyond academics.4. Build relationships with potential customers
4. Data: Your Secret Weapon for Attendance Success
Don't underestimate the power of data! Tracking attendance patterns can reveal valuable insights and guide targeted interventions.
Identify Trends and Target Support: Analyze attendance data to pinpoint specific days, times, or student groups experiencing chronic absenteeism. This allows you to address issues proactively and provide individualized support.
Showcase Success: Use attendance data to highlight your program's positive impact on academic performance and student engagement. Share this information with school administrators, families, and community partners to demonstrate your program's effectiveness.
5. Ready to Take Your Program to the Next Level?
Achieving and maintaining 85% daily attendance is crucial for securing your program's future and maximizing its impact on students.
Schedule a Free Consultation: Receive a comprehensive list of strategies tailored to your program's unique needs. Our team of experts can help you develop a customized action plan to boost attendance, increase family engagement, and secure your program's long-term sustainability.
Strategic Planning Workshop: Schedule our workshop and gain the tools and knowledge to transform your program into a thriving hub of learning and engagement.
Learn More About Our Strategic Planning Workshop.
"Jim's knowledge of all things out-of-school time was very evident during this session. He blends past experience with current realities to help you think about the best ways to refine your program. Two hours went by very quickly." -- Steve Strange, EEUCC
"As a 21st CCLC Program Director, Jim has proven time and again his willingness and ability to go above and beyond assisting and helping with our OST program via strategic planning and data analysis. He is always prompt, through, and readily available to connect via phone, email, zoom, or in person for extra guidance and support. I would highly recommend his company as an external evaluator or for even any consulting or strategic planning needs." -- Casey Sirochman, EEUCC
