Early learning and development program resources for all children, birth to age eight, especially those in highest need.
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April 17, 2025
State and Local Leaders Highlight Impacts of $900,000 Annual 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, Continued Investments in FY26 Budget Recommendations
MUSKEGON, Mich. –The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) joined representatives from Muskegon Public Schools (MPS) this week to celebrate the impact of a $900,000 annual investment in Out-of-School Time (OST) programming, totaling $4.5 million over five years, through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant. The event, held at Charles Hackley Middle School, also spotlighted continued support for OST enrichment opportunities included in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget recommendations.
“At MiLEAP, we’re committed to supporting Michiganders at every stage of life, and that includes making intentional investments in students during their most critical years of development,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “We’re proud to uplift the work Muskegon Public Schools is doing to create safe, enriching spaces where students can learn and thrive beyond the classroom. When we invest in programs like these, we’re helping them build the skills and confidence they need to lay a strong foundation for lifelong success.”
The 21st CCLC grant is a critical part of Michigan’s OST efforts, providing funding to support high-quality academic enrichment opportunities for students in high-need communities during non-school hours. The programs help students meet state and local academic standards, engage in a broad range of learning experiences, and expand access to literacy and educational support for families.
Muskegon Public Schools was awarded $150,000 per site, per year to support OST programming at six schools across the district, totaling $900,000 annually. Over the five-year grant cycle, the district will receive $4.5 million to strengthen and expand learning opportunities for students outside the classroom.
“Our 21st CCLC program gives students a place to explore, connect and build on what they’re learning during the school day,” said Angela Johnson, 21st CCLC coordinator for MPS. “It also introduces them to experiences like STEM that spark their interest in future career paths and helps them grow into confident, capable young people.”
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to observe students participating in hands-on STEM activities through a unique collaboration with NASA. The program encourages curiosity, creativity and critical thinking by giving students access to real-world science experiences.
“My daughter, Ja'Niyah, has been part of the MPS afterschool program since elementary school,” said Jaronna McCrae of Muskegon. “She has learned how to play the violin through the program, traveled to Michigan State University, gone on a variety of field trips, all of which have helped her learn more about places and build her self-esteem. I feel this program gives my child and many children a safe place to learn and grow.”
Governor Whitmer’s FY26 executive budget recommendation proposes a $50 million investment in competitive OST grants. These funds would further expand access to high-quality programs that support working families and help equip more Michiganders with the academic, social, emotional and real-world skills they need to thrive.
For more information about the 21st CCLC and other Out-of-School Time resources, visit MiLEAP’s Education Partnerships webpage at Michigan.gov/MiLEAP/Education-Partnerships.
MiLEAP Director, Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, observes students participating in the NASA STEM challenge.
Students demonstrate crane experiment for NASA STEM challenge.
Students participate in NASA STEM challenge.
Students participate in NASA STEM project.
Student Ja'Niyah McCrae participates in after-school music program.
Left to Right: Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director, MiLEAP; Nicole Reyherme, director of curriculum and instruction at MPS; Angela Johnson, 21st Century Coordinator at MPS; Jaronna McCrae, Parent
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