Community Learning Centers (CLCs) are a collaborative partnership between the Sioux Falls School District and local out-of-school time providers, working together to support the whole child, strengthen families, and connect students with opportunities beyond the school day. Through this partnership, students can access before-school, afterschool, and summer programs directly within their neighborhood schools, making high-quality enrichment and support more accessible to families. 

The CLC model brings together the strengths of schools and community-based organizations to create a coordinated support system for students. In Sioux Falls, partners including VOA Dakotas, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, and the Sioux Falls YMCA operate programs within schools while following shared standards designed to ensure a high-quality, consistent experience for children and families.  

Community Learning Centers are based on the idea that students are most successful when schools, families, and community organizations work together. Research from the Learning Policy Institute has found that CLCs, or community schools, can improve attendance, behavior, family engagement, grades, and test scores. 

VOA Dakotas provides out-of-school time programs in All City Elementary at Jane Addams, Garfield, Hawthorne, Laura Wilder, Lowell, Robert Frost, Sonia Sotomayor, Terry Redlin, and Whittier.

Afterschool programs provide far more than a safe place for children to go when they’re not in school. High-quality programs help students build academic skills, develop confidence, form positive friendships, stay physically active, and connect with caring adults who support their growth. They also expose children to new interests and experiences through enrichment opportunities such as music lessons, cooking classes, sports, theater, STEM activities, arts programming, and community service projects.

The benefits of afterschool participation can last well beyond childhood. A 26-year-long research study found that children and youth who participated in afterschool programs experienced higher reading and math achievement, greater confidence during their school years, and higher educational attainment, earnings, and employment rates as adults. By combining academic support, enrichment opportunities, and positive relationships, afterschool programs help children develop the skills, interests, and resilience needed to succeed both in school and throughout life.

VOA Dakotas Out-of-School Time programs offer a mix of academic support, recreation, enrichment, and relationship-building opportunities designed to help students learn, grow, and have fun outside of the school day. Students participate in activities that support reading and math skills, encourage creativity, promote physical activity, and help build confidence and social skills.

In addition to daily programming, students have opportunities to explore new interests through enrichment activities led by community partners. Depending on the site and season, these experiences may include music lessons, cooking classes, field trips, sports, theater, STEM activities, arts programming, leadership development, and community service projects. 
 
These activities help students discover new strengths, build positive relationships with peers and caring adults, and develop skills that support success both in and out of the classroom. By providing a balance of learning, exploration, and fun, high-quality afterschool programs help children stay engaged, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. 

For many families, the answer is yes. High-quality afterschool programs provide more than childcare. They offer academic support, opportunities to build friendships, physical activity, enrichment experiences, and positive relationships with caring adults. Research has found that students who participate in afterschool programs can experience benefits that extend into adulthood, including higher academic achievement, increased confidence, higher educational attainment, stronger employment outcomes, and greater earnings later in life. 

Families who are concerned about cost should know that financial assistance may be available. Our programs offer scholarships and accept Child Care Assistance for families who qualify, helping make high-quality enrichment opportunities accessible to more children regardless of household income.
 
Afterschool programs also help children discover new interests and talents. Through activities such as STEM projects, arts programming, music lessons, cooking classes, sports, theater, leadership development, and community service, students have opportunities to explore passions, build new skills, and develop confidence in a supportive environment. 
 
For working families, afterschool programs can provide peace of mind by ensuring children are engaged in safe, structured, and enriching activities during the hours between school dismissal and the end of the workday.