Expanded Learning Opportunities

Questions, Comments, or Corrections? Let us know!

Quality Afterschool and Summer Opportunities for Nebraska K-12 Youth

What is an ELO?

The term Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOs) describes an array of safe and structured programs that offer healthy growth, development and academic opportunities for youth.

In Nebraska, 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLCs) are ELOs that provide educational and enrichment opportunities for K-12 youth when they’re not in school (afterschool, during the summer and/or days when school is not in session).  The priority for a 21st CCLC is to provide hands-on learning and positive youth development experiences for students who may have an opportunity gap, such as living in poverty, or are highly mobile, or are limited English proficient, or those who may start the school year learning below their grade level.

The framework for 21st Century Community Learning Center ELOs is school/community partnerships that offer a range of supervised activities, intentionally designed to encourage learning and development outside the typical school day yet aligned with the school day goals and objectives.  Information on the 21st Century Community Learning Center program in Nebraska.

The Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant Program Act was created by the Nebraska Legislature to promote academic achievement in high-need schools during out-of-school time afterschool and during summer break. Beginning July 1, 2024, 1.5 percent of the education proceeds from the Nebraska Lottery will be transferred to this fund. These grants require a partnership contributing a 1:1 match of the grant award. Partnerships must include a school district and at least one community-based organization, agency or business. Eligible afterschool sites must have been in operation at least five years and receiving funding from a 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Continuation Grant.

Click here for more information on the 2024 grant competitionThis competition is now closed. Application materials are left up as a reference for sites who wish to apply for future two-year opportunity grants.

ANNOUNCING 2026 TWO-YEAR OPPORTUNITY GRANT COHORT

Congratulations to the following grantees on their ELO two-year opportunity grant award!

  • Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools
  • Bayard Public Schools
  • Collective for Youth
  • School District of Columbus Foundation, Inc.
  • Future Kids, Inc.
  • Great Plains Gaming Project
  • Kearney Public Schools
  • Spring Creek Audobon Center
  • Lincoln Community Foundation
  • Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln

See the full list of ELO awards and amounts here.

Updated November 26, 2024 11:56am