Albuquerque Community Schools Project

The Albuquerque Commmunity Learning Centers Project (ACLCP) originated in 1997 as the Albuquerque Community Schools Project (ACSP) and was designed to provide neighborhood and community driven learning opportunities in Albuquerque’s “Pocket of Poverty” neighborhoods.

With initial support from the Western Regional Office of Save the Children/USA and in collaboration with Kirtland elementary school, United South Broadway Corporation, the University of New Mexico/College of Education, the UNM Service Corps, and the City of Albuquerque’s “Middle School Initiative,” the ACSP started two community school demonstration projects in the South Broadway and Kirtland Corner neighborhoods.

As new partners became involved, the ACSP grew, and with this growth came the ability to provide increased and more complete services. In 1998 the UNM Service Corps received support from the Corporation for National Service for 80 part-time AmeriCorps members all of whom worked with the ACSP and Albuquerque communities. UNM faculty members became involved, providing in-service training and direct instruction. The ACSP also teamed with the City of Albuquerque community centers and recreation programs to provide more access to City-sponsored activities and infrastructure. School administrators, teachers, social service staff, parents and community members all worked together to support the ACSP and the approximately 1200 children served by the project each year.

In 2001, Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) and the University of New Mexico/ College of Education (UNM/COE) received a federal grant from the US Department of Education, Division of 21st Century Community Learning Centers for 3.3 million dollars for three years to support the ACSP and the young people, adults and communities the project supported. In 2003, APS and UNM/COE received a state grant from the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) 21st Century Community Learning Center Project in the amount $534,736 per year for five years. The purpose of the grant, entitled the Albuquerque Community Learning Centers Project (ACLCP) is to build upon the accomplishments at two of the current ACSP sites (Barelas and Kirtland) and expand the project to two new sites (La Luz and Whittier). In 2004, APS and UNM/COE received a second five-year state 21st CCLC Project grant in the amount of $470,000 to continue projects at Reginald Chávez, Santa Barbara Martíneztown, South Broadway and Thomas Bell. The ninth site, East San José, continues to be funded with federal carryover funds.

Today, the ACLCP continues to support the children, youth and adults served by these dynamic learning centers. The ACLCP continues on its mission to increase abilities, foster hope, and ensure a continued love of learning and support the capacity building of strong communities and neighborhoods