Event celebrates positive impact of Community Learning Centers

Leaders from Lincoln Public Schools, the City of Lincoln and the community gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate the rich history and bright future of the city’s Community Learning Centers.

The event, “A Salute to Lincoln’s Community Learning Centers,” was held at the Lincoln Community Foundation. The packed room illustrated the widespread support for Community Learning Centers, commonly referred to as CLCs, which began in Lincoln 20 years ago.  

The city’s 26 current CLCs are located in schools and support the development and implementation of safe, supervised before- and after-school programs, weekend and summer enrichment opportunities and other support services for children, families and neighborhoods.

On Wednesday, those who spoke emphasized community collaboration and the positive impact of CLCs in Lincoln.

Steve Joel, superintendent, Lincoln Public Schools:  

“The reason we are a great school district and a great community is because of the people present here today. And that’s because people like yourself - and many others - come together to wrap their arms around the most vulnerable and give them a chance to be successful. That’s why it works. It’s a tremendous source of pride of mine to be a part of that.”

Chris Beutler, mayor, City of Lincoln:

“The possibilities for effectively improving the lives our children as they grow is here and we’re picking up that opportunity and we’re moving ahead in this community, all of us working together in large numbers - and that’s a very powerful force.”

Barbara Bartle, president, Lincoln Community Foundation:

“The schools, the city and the community have worked together to provide what children and youth need to be successful. This has never been more important than it is today, we all know that. We need to continue our dedication to the CLCs and surround our youth with all of our support.”

Nola Derby-Bennett, director, Community Learning Centers:

“In this role I feel humbled to be supported by so many people. As I’m out in the community, everybody has a positive story about Community Learning Centers...one of the things I always hear about Community Learning Centers is their value. No one I talk to ever speaks negatively about Community Learning Centers and their experience with them.”

 

---