21st Century Program

Since the Fall of the 2020-2021 school year, the Wahluke School District obtained a grant for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program. This grant allowed the district to adopt the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program (Cohort 17). This program will specifically support and focus on our elementary school students (K-5th). 

The 21st Century Program supports creating community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children and a summer program. Through this program, WSD will offer high-quality after-school and summer school opportunities to help elementary students meet state and local academic standards in core content areas. In addition, through the 21st Century Program, students will obtain homework help, hands-on STEM activities, literacy enrichment, engaging art curriculum, and leadership opportunities. 

WSD is confident that this program will help our students get supplemental educational help as well as develop positive learning through enrichment activities. 

David Orozco directs the 21st Century Program. Mr. Orozco is a graduate of Zillah High School and is currently attending Yakima Valley Community College pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He has worked in education for over 17 years in various roles throughout his career. Mr. Orozco states, "our ultimate goal is to increase school attendance and increase the academic achievement of participating students in one or more academic areas." 

Mr. Orozco is currently working with faculty and staff to plan and create a "Cool Summer Program" available from July 28th through July 30th. This program will be available to elementary students from Mattawa Elementary, Saddle Mountain Elementary, and Morris Schott STEAM Elementary. This summer, principals decided to focus on Literacy using the HELIX Chicago Curriculum program with current 3rd and 4th grade students. 

For the coming years, the goal of the 21st Century Program is to support our three elementary school students to develop their full academic, social and physical potential. Please be on the lookout for more information about the upcoming Cool Summer School program and other information and initiatives that will unfold throughout the 2021-2022 school year. 

For more information about the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program, visit this website: https://www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/grants-grant-management/nita-m-lowey-21st-century-community-learning-centers-program