The Lana Learn team in DC has been building connections with school staff at Cardozo High School to recruit students for our 21st CCLC program.
The Lana team in DC began its 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) program at Cardozo High School this month. The 21st CCLC initiative offers a comprehensive approach to learning by extending education beyond traditional classroom hours. These programs provide students with opportunities to engage in extracurricular enrichment activities. They promote academic achievement, personal growth, and community involvement. Building connections with school staff has been essential for successful student recruitment for the 21st CCLC program.
Last spring, we started exploring the idea of a study hall after school for student athletes after we noticed a drastic drop in attendance when sports began. Over the summer, we held meetings with school administrators to explain the program plan. We worked to build relationships within the school staff and show how the program would benefit students.
Setting the Standard
One of the first connections that we made was with the athletic director, who then connected us with the coaches. One coach in particular, the boys basketball coach, was extremely enthusiastic about the study hall idea. Some of the students who want to play struggle making the grades necessary to do so. He has been instrumental in setting a foundation with his team and the athletic department as a whole by setting the standard that his team is to attend study hall three days a week. He even attended the program the first week to reinforce punctuality and participation. The majority of our participants thus far have come from his team!
We also decided to extend the study hall to include any students who need additional support or tutoring. We met with teachers, counselors, and administrators to discuss our implementation strategy. This helped us create a support system within the school needed to make both the program and the students succeed. Since the school year began, the counselors have been active in introducing us to students who need extra academic support. Additionally, the teachers have provided insights into the specific needs and strengths of their students. They have been valuable allies in identifying potential students who could benefit from our program.
We are well on our way to accomplishing our recruitment goals due to the relationships we have made within the school! We look forward to welcoming more participants as we continue to build connections with the coaches and students!
