Notice of Intent to Apply – 21st CCLC Grant Funding
April 3, 2026

Notice of Intent to Apply – 21st CCLC Grant Funding

Boys & Girls Clubs of Highlands County hereby gives notice to the local community of our intention to apply to the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Family and Community Outreach Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program grant to support out of school time (OST) programming for the students attending the following schools: 



  • Avon Elementary School located at 705 W. Winthrop Street, Avon Park, FL 33825.
  • Park Elementary School located at 327 E. Palmetto Street, Avon Park, FL 33825.
  • Memorial Elementary School located at 867 Memorial Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825.
  • Fred Wild Elementary School located at 3550 Youth Care Lane, Sebring, FL 33870.
  • Woodlawn Elementary School located at 817 Woodlawn Drive, Sebring, FL 33870.
  • Sun n Lake Elementary School located at 4515 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Sebring, FL 3387l.


The Club will submit the application to FDOE on May 11, 2026.  If awarded, funds will be used to support additional learning time for students attending the above listed Elementary Schools and the Avon Park and Sebring Middle Schools, at the Boys & Girls Club of Highlands County locations in Avon Park and Sebring. 


Boys & Girls Club of Highlands County welcomes students from across the county and from public, private and home schools, without limitations due to abilities, background, financial position, or spoken language. We are the Positive Place for Kids. 


If you would like to provide feedback on the submission of the application or have any questions in regards to the 21st CCLC grant program, please contact Janice Rearick, at JRearick@highlandsbgc.org.


The Boys and Girls Club of Highlands County offers “Operation HELP” (Helping Educate Little People), a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) program, to deserving students and their adult family members across our county. Operation HELP serves 1st-5th graders from six Title I elementary schools: Avon, Fred Wild, Memorial, Park, Sun n Lake and Woodlawn; and also 6th – 8th graders from three Title 1 middle schools: Avon Park, Hill-Gustat, and Sebring. The goals of the program are to improve student academic skills, provide personal enrichment opportunities and promote adult family member involvement through life skills workshops and community service partnerships. The after-school programs are held at the Avon Park and Sebring Boys and Girls Clubs. Both sites serve 70+ students each Monday through Friday, following our local school calendar, on days that schools are in session: 178 days, from 2:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. Summer programming is offered to an additional 150 children for 40 days in June and July each year, from 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. Summer programs include off-site field trips that are educational and fun; sure to enhance learning by experiencing all that our region has to offer in its rich cultural, historic and natural resources. Parents and other adult family members are welcome to the Club, too, to participate in sessions of continuing learning that cover adult literacy topics in finance, computers, safety, arts & crafts, community leadership, job skills & career opportunities. We are the Positive Place for Kids.

America Needs Club Kids - Club Kids Need You.

By Altagracia Vargas • July 8, 2025
Hi there, I’m Jack. I’m 15 years old, and I serve on the Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. I earned this opportunity through our STAR Leadership Training program, a signature civic education course that is nationally recognized yet offered exclusively at my Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Through STAR, teens like me learn about local government, build leadership skills, and advocate for the issues that matter most to us. You might be asking yourself why a 15-year-old is telling you about his accomplishments. Though as a board member and Club leader, I feel a deep responsibility to speak up for something so important. Every day after school, our Clubs are filled with kids learning, growing, and building a better future for themselves — and for all of us. That’s made possible in part by federal support we receive from programs like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. This critical funding is designed to support areas where youth need us most including Title I schools and high-need communities. It helps provide homework help, meals, STEM learning, mentoring, and a safe, supportive environment where kids can thrive. But right now, that funding is at risk. These programs don’t just keep us busy after school. They open doors and opportunity. Thanks to the Club, I’ve built leadership skills, become an actively involved member of my community for the betterment of it, and uncovered my hidden confidence. And the best part? I’m not alone. Club members across the country are becoming teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and community leaders because of the Club’s support. America needs Club kids. And right now, Club kids need you. Here are some easy ways you can help make a difference: ✅ Pick up the phone and call on Congress to get after-school funding released to the states. ✅ Sign our action alert to protect funding. Each person who signs is an integral part in raising awareness for this cause. ✅ Forward this email to at least five friends to help spread the word. ✅ Make a donation, because any size helps makes a real impact. On behalf of all Club members, thank you for your consideration. Remember, when you believe in Club kids like me, you believe in a brighter, more proactive future. Sincerely, Jack L. Club Teen & Board Member Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties