The Arkansas Department of Education announced $7.2 million for 36 new out-of-school programs under the federal Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, bringing the statewide total to 87 centers and $13,889,500 for 2026–27.
Southeast Arkansas awardees at $200,000 each include Hermitage School District – Hermitage Elementary, Monticello School District – Monticello Intermediate, Boys & Girls Club of McGehee – McGehee Elementary, and Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County serving Pine Bluff School District campuses (James Matthews ES, Greenville K, 34th ES) plus Friendship Aspire charter sites. Junction City Elementary also appears on the statewide list.
Programs must begin by October 1, 2026, delivering academic enrichment in reading, literacy, math and science plus family literacy supports for students in high-poverty and low-performing schools. ADE reviewed 103 intents and 64 full applications before awarding the new cohort.
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