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UPES Ignite 21st Century Community Learning Center

The Ignite 21st Century Community Learning Center at University Place Elementary is a dynamic after-school and summer program designed to expand learning opportunities, foster creativity, and build connections beyond the classroom. Through funding from the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC federal grant, Ignite provides a safe, enriching, and joyful space where students explore, grow, and thrive.

Serving a diverse community in the heart of Tuscaloosa, Ignite blends academic support, social-emotional learning, and family engagement to help every student reach their full potential.

🎯 Program Mission

The mission of Ignite, our 21st CCLC program, is to spark curiosity, support academic growth, and ignite student potential through engaging after-school and summer programming. We believe every child deserves a safe, creative space to learn, explore, and lead beyond the bell.

📈 Program Impact

Since its launch in 2022, Ignite has contributed to:
  • Improved academic performance in reading and math
  • Higher daily attendance and student engagement
  • Positive shifts in student behavior and confidence
  • Stronger family-school connections through events and communication

Parents consistently share that Ignite provides peace of mind and makes a meaningful difference in their child’s learning and development.

🔧 Program Highlights

  • Serves 110+ students during the school year
  • Offers free summer learning for 150+ students
  • Focuses on literacy, STEM, wellness, and SEL
  • Provides daily transportation, snacks, and family events
  • Emphasizes student choice, voice, and leadership

Ignite is intentionally structured to complement—not replicate—the school day, giving students space to shine in new and exciting ways.

🧩 Community Engagement

Ignite actively partners with families and community groups to enrich the student experience. Program highlights include:
  • Monthly family nights
  • STEAM collaborations with local organizations
  • Cultural events, art showcases, and family literacy celebrations
Family feedback and student interests are central to how we grow and evolve the program each year.
 

🕒 A Typical Day at Ignite

Students arrive at Ignite right after school dismissal and receive a meal and a healthy snack provided through the Child Nutrition Program. After snack, students are escorted to their assigned groups to begin the afternoon rotations.

Our program is divided into grade-levels, allowing us to tailor support and enrichment activities to meet students’ developmental and academic needs.

Each afternoon includes:

  • Academic Support: Homework help and small-group tutoring aligned with students’ school-day instruction

  • Targeted Enrichment: Rotations in reading, math, and STEM that are hands-on and standards-based

  • Creative Exploration: Activities such as dance, art, coding, gardening, and leadership building

Teachers and program staff work collaboratively to ensure activities are both fun and aligned with our 21st CCLC grant goals—supporting literacy, STEAM learning, and the development of real-world skills. Some rotations are led by certified teachers, while others include community partners or enrichment instructors, allowing students to explore a wide range of interests.

Our program dismisses each day at 5:15 PM. Families receive regular communication through ParentSqaure, including program updates, photos, and reminders about special events.

 

 

2025-2026 School Year Registration

We are excited to announce that registration for the UPES Ignite 21st CCLC After-School Program is now open for the 2025–2026 school year!

Our after-school program offers a safe, structured, and enriching environment for students in grades K–5. With engaging academic support, hands-on STEAM activities, arts and music, physical fitness, character education, and more—this is a place where students can explore new interests, grow socially and academically, and ignite their passion for learning.

Important Details:

  • Dismissal: No earlier than 5:00 PM; all students must be picked up by 5:15 PM

  • No transportation provided

  • Daily attendance is expected; this is not a drop-in program

  • Mandatory Parent Orientation is required before student participation

  • Space is limited—late pickups, behavior concerns, or inconsistent attendance may result in dismissal from the program

🔗 Click here to apply now!


Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Families will be notified of their child’s status by August 22, 2025.

We can't wait for another exciting year of after-school learning, creativity, and fun!