Fun-filled event celebrates Community Learning Centers

Hundreds of students, relatives and community members gathered at Park Middle School on Thursday to celebrate Lincoln’s Community Learning Centers (CLCs), part of a national day of recognition for afterschool programs called “Lights on Afterschool.”

The event at Park, “Come Kick It with the CLCs,” included basketball and soccer, free dinner, free t-shirts and presentations by all 26 Lincoln CLCs highlighting their programs.

Park is one of 26 CLCs, located at 19 elementary schools, six middle schools and one high school. They offer a variety of afterschool programming and resources through partnerships with 12 lead agencies and hundreds of community partners.

The Lincoln Community Foundation, the City of Lincoln and Lincoln Public Schools share oversight of the CLCs. Together, they strive toward a shared goal: Smart students, thriving families and strong neighborhoods.