Expanded Learning Time

Citizen Schools partners with school districts in more than 20 cities across the country to expand the learning day. They provide academic support, leadership development, and hands-on learning projects by mobilizing a second shift of afternoon educators consisting of AmeriCorps members and volunteers from business and civic organizations. Citizen Schools’ deep local partnerships help transform schools and ensure that students of all backgrounds develop the skills they need to succeed in high school, college, the workforce, and civic life. Operating in low-income schools with disadvantaged students, Citizen Schools’ participants have a 20% higher graduation rate than their matched peers.

In a partnership with The Sheridan Group, Citizen Schools embarked in an advocacy strategy to make federal funding for afterschool flexible, allowing local schools and districts to provide their students with additional learning time by expanding the learning day, week or year.  In September 2011 after intensive advocacy by Citizen Schools, the Department of Education announced that they would allow states and districts to use existing federal funding streams for expanded learning time reforms, both through an optional waiver pertaining to 21st Century Community Learning Centers and by using Title I funds to turn around low-performing schools.

Project Director: Jill Allen Murray

Project Images

  • An AmeriCorps member who serves as a Citizen Schools' National Teaching Fellow coaching a student on his homework
  • An apprentice says 'action' on his team short film, with guidance from a filmmaker volunteering as a Citizen Teacher in Austin.
  • Students learn botany and sustainability--and beautify their school--in a landscape gardening apprenticeship taught by a local Albuquerque volunteer.
  • Four young scientists in Boston Extended Learning Time
  • Citizen Schools Co-founder and CEO Eric Schwarz and North Carolina team meet with Senator Hagan
  • Citizen Schools North Carolina leaders meet with Senator Hagan

Project Videos

News

Citizen Schools in Run to Pitch to Obama

Citizen Schools has made it to the last round of voting in a campaign …

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