In today’s educational environment, the programs outside the regular school days are as important as ever. The federal initiative known as 21st CCLC offers vital resources for schools and communities to invest in afterschool programs. Let’s see how Exergame Fitness can be a powerful tool to support this initiative.
What is the 21st CCLC and Why Does it Matter?
This is the only federal funding stream that is dedicated exclusively to afterschool learning opportunities. This is designed to support high-poverty and low-performing schools by establishing community learning centers. These centers are a hub of academic upliftment, cultural activities, and mentoring programs.
According to the data from the US Department of Education, in the year 2022-23, they awarded sub-grants to 9,985 centers under this program.
Why is it Relevant For Your After-school Program
If you operate an afterschool program or you are planning to start one in a school or district that is eligible for funding, making your program align with the grant requirements can make a big difference.
- It opens up opportunities for 21st CCLC funding that can support your staffing and program infrastructure.
- It encourages you to build a program that addresses physical and socio-economic health alongside academics and youth development.
Core Components of 21st CCLC and How to Align
According to the brief from Afterschool Alliance, the key components of the program include:
- Academic enrichment that supports the success of students in the core subjects.
- Learning in new and innovative ways.
- Exergame Fitness provides opportunities for active learning, exploration, and recreational activities that complement the regular academic program.
- Family engagement and community partnerships.
Funding and eligibility
Eligible entities may apply for the grant under Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to operate these programs. The grant funding can support salaries for staff and materials, with provisions for multiple activities (academic and non-academic) in a safe and supervised environment.
Why Interactive Games Are Ideal for this Federal Funding Program
Interactive games and active games are not just another fun activity. They meet multiple goals for students at the same time. They engage youth, promote movement among kids, and improve cognitive abilities that have a positive impact on academics and otherwise. Since many of these games are multiplayer, they also help build strong social skills.
- Much research has shown that interactive games, especially exergames, offer various social, physical, and cognitive benefits. Since multiple players can cooperate or compete, it increases social interaction, coordination, and cognitive abilities.
- Exercises can reduce sedentary time in an educational setting. It increases motor engagement and provides an interactive space that helps with physical education and active learning goals.
- In terms of a program design perspective, interactive games help with motivation and engagement. These are two essential outcomes for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.
Supporting Active Learning in Today’s Context
Many schools are recognizing that learning is no longer just about staying seated and being quiet. The shift to active learning in private schools (and public schools, too) recognizes that movement, collaboration, and energy all support learning.
In addition, the concept of tech-driven fitness in schools is gaining attention. For an afterschool or summer program operating under the guidelines of this federal funding, integrating exergames can help meet multiple objectives: academic, physical wellness, and youth development.
Why Exergame Fits the Funder’s Priorities
- This federal program emphasizes improved learning, youth development, and reduced negative outcomes. Interactive games and movement-based activities can increase positive behaviors and engagement.
- The program stresses safe, supervised out-of-school time. Game-based physical activities can be structured and monitored in the context.
- Because exergames combine fun and fitness, they increase the appeal of the after-school activities to students.
In short, if you run an after-school activity program, aim to align with this federal funding program by adopting interactive games for an innovative approach.
4 Interactive Game & Exergame Solutions
Below are five interactive game pieces that are well-suited for programs trying to align with the CCLC.
1. SMARTfit Multi Station
A group of kids can engage in motion-based game activities with this multi-station exergame system. The sensors of this equipment track movement and score performance in a fun environment.
Advantages
- It allows multiple participants at the same time.
- It gives real-time feedback to measure progress.
- The scoring system makes the whole thing motivating for the youth.
- It supports different skill levels.
How it helps in the grant program: This product supports high-engagement active gaming. Engaging students physically and socially with this will boost attendance in your program.
2. Beam Floor
This is great equipment used for exergaming in private schools that turns any space into an active playground. The users step, jump, or move on the floor to interact with the projection. It makes exercise a fun and immersive activity.
Advantages
- It encourages all users to participate.
- It is highly physical and involves full-body movement.
- It can be used in gyms or multipurpose rooms after school.
How it helps in the grant program: Including this in your program offers movement-based enrichment beyond just academic work. It goes well with the goal of the grant to support positive youth development in non-academic domains.
3. Lu Interactive Playground
It is an immersive audiovisual system that transforms ordinary spaces into an interactive learning environment. The system includes an integrated light and sound setup, as well as a 3D camera that projects onto a giant wall.
Advantages
- It increases engagement from students who are less interested in traditional physical education.
- It promotes interdisciplinary learning by blending academic content with physical activity.
- These activities are designed to improve cognitive flexibility.
How it helps in the grant program: These promote school-day learning in a fun and non-traditional setting. This aligns with the focus of the grant program. It provides academic enrichment during non-school hours.
4. tWALL 64
It is an interactive light reaction wall that is designed as a sports and training device. This equipment is large and features 64 touch-sensitive panels. It is a fun way to improve physical and cognitive ability for all ages.
Advantages
- It is suitable for youths of all ages.
- It improves reaction time, speed, and agility.
- It is excellent for neurological development and focus training for kids with ADD/HD.
How it helps in the grant program: It helps kids who can benefit from different modes of learning. By integrating recreation, physical activity, and learning, it supports the broad goal of 21st CCLC.
Empowering Students Beyond the Classroom
The framework of 21st CLCC proves that learning does not end with the bell. By integrating active learning technologies, you can challenge the students to collaborate, think critically, and practice wellness. With these motion-based games, every movement matters.
Conclusion
The innovative solutions of Exergame Fitness are reshaping the landscape of after-school activities. If you want your program to stand out for this grant, now is the time to include exergames in your vision board.
Partner with Exergame Fitness to reimagine your afterschool environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Afterschool Program:
Q1. Who is eligible for 21st CCLC funding?
A1. Schools in areas with high poverty and low performance are eligible for this funding.
Q2. How can exergames help meet 21st CCLC grant priorities?
A2. Exergames can be used to improve students academic skills through technology-driven, interactive challenges.
Q3. How does Lu Interactive Playground help with federal afterschool grant programs?
A3. Federal grants, like 21st CCLC, can benefit from the Lu interactive program immensely. It helps with learning in a non-traditional setting and provides academic enrichment in a fun manner.