Youth at the nine Lorain County Boys & Girls Clubs have shown significant improvement in both reading and math skills during the 2024-25 school year, as indicated by independent evaluations released by the organizations. Funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Center initiative, these programs have also led to improved attendance among participants.
The evaluations, conducted by Dr. Karen Larwin and Visobe Welch, highlighted the positive outcomes of after-school programs at several local schools, including Admiral King, Frank Jacinto, Garfield, Larkmoor, Palm, Vincent, and Knollwood elementary schools, as well as Brookside Intermediate and Durling Middle School.
At Durling Middle School, for instance, 10.5% of students who initially tested below proficiency on the 2024 Ohio State Reading Test achieved proficient or better scores on their 2025 assessments. Similarly, at Garfield Elementary Club, 82.2% of students exhibited growth in their math skills from fall to spring testing.
Attendance improvements were also noted, with 20% of participants at Larkmoor Elementary Club reporting enhanced school attendance. Furthermore, 27.3% of members at Vincent Elementary, previously classified as “off track” during fall math testing, were deemed “on track” by spring.
Family engagement played a prominent role in the Clubs’ success. At Admiral King Elementary Club, over 60% of families attended four out of five family nights, including a remarkable 96.3% attendance at one event.
The 21st Century Community Learning Center program provides academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours, specifically targeting students from high-poverty and low-performing schools. Despite its success, funding for the program is not included in the proposed federal budget for 2026, raising concerns about its future viability.
Allen Smith, director of the Lorain County Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “We continue to see positive academic results from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program throughout Northeast Ohio, and it is our hope we will be able to count on this funding to help our youth and their families.”
The 21st Century grants are designed to last for five years, and new applications are currently not being accepted. During the 2024-25 school year, fifteen Boys & Girls Clubs across six counties in Northeast Ohio benefited from this program, although for Clubs in Sheffield Lake and Barberton, this marked the final year of funding.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio offer safe and engaging environments for youth aged 6-18 after school, with a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership, and workforce readiness. Membership is free, allowing access to vital resources and support for local youth. Currently, the organization operates 30 Clubs across six counties in Northeast Ohio, continuing its mission to foster educational and personal growth in the community.
