Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven has announced that the U.S. Department of Education will release funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide after-school programs in North Dakota. The announcement follows concerns raised by Bismarck Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Fastnacht and Mackenzie County Public Schools Superintendent Steve Holen regarding the availability of these funds.

Hoeven engaged with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to address the issue and emphasized the significance of these programs for students and families in North Dakota.

“We heard about the importance of these after-school programs from North Dakota superintendents, and worked with OMB to get the funding released. These funds help provide quality after-school programs for North Dakota students while enabling their parents to work, which is vital for students but also local economies,” said Hoeven.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program aims to support educational opportunities outside regular school hours, benefiting both students and working parents across the state.