Florida Atlantic University's Center for Urban Redevelopment and Education (CURE) and the Florida Department of Education have partnered to support four (4) communities in Palm Beach County by empowering their children and parents.

The Department’s Office of Family and Community Outreach has awarded CURE a five year grant to ensure that students in elementary, middle, and high-schools have access to structured after-school and summer programs that are heavily focused on academic achievement, school commitment and improved behavior, health and fitness, community partnerships, professional development for teachers, and accountability.

Known as the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) program, these after school centers are authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Specifically, 21st CCLCs are to provide opportunities for academic enrichment, including tutorial services, for students attending low-performing schools to help them meet State and local performance standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and mathematics.

The program also offers students a broad array of services, programs, and activities that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program. Finally, the program offers families of participating students opportunities for literacy and related educational development.

FAU-CURE will establish and operate four 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLCs) in Palm Beach County in partnership with schools and community-based organizations. The centers are housed at:

• S.D. Spady Montessori Elementary School in Delray Beach
• My Choice Community Development Center in West Palm Beach
• Riviera Beach Academy Charter School in Riviera Beach
• New Beginnings Community Development Center - Dyson Circle Residential Complex in West Palm Beach.
   

CURE is a state-authorized applied research and community outreach center, housed in the College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs (CAUPA). Its mission is to collaborate with non-profit, government, and grassroots civic organizations to help achieve the Quality of Life goals of low- and moderate-income communities in Southeast Florida, particularly in the university’s four-county service area (Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie).

Its motto is “Empowering Communities One Resident at a Time.” FAU-CURE reaches out to communities and offers programs and services “on site” in those communities, thus bringing the university closer to the people.

1. To develop and strengthen students’ educational/academic skills.
2. To foster commitment to school and improve behavior.
3. To offer a cohesive, strength-based, after school/summer curriculum coordinated with, and supporting Florida sunshine state learning objectives.
4. To offer fun, high-quality enrichment and support activities to support national goals for physical and mental health.
5. To co-opt community into the learning process and support of 21st CCLC.
6. To co-opt families into the learning process & improve their lives.
7. To improve socio-economic conditions of residents in the targeted areas.
   

1. Remedial Education and Academic Enrichment;
2. Mathematics and Science Education;
3. Arts and Music Education;
4. Limited English Proficiency Program;
5. Recreational activities (to promote health and fitness and provide strategies to reduce childhood obesity);
6. Telecommunications and Technology Education Programs;
7. Parental Involvement and Family Literacy;
8. Drug and Violence Prevention, Counseling and Character Education Programs.