Philadelphia, MS — Philadelphia Public School District is proud to announce that we have been selected as a recipient of the Cohort 9 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant, securing $1.6 million over four years to support high-quality academic enrichment and whole-child programming for our students at Philadelphia Elementary School and Philadelphia High School.
This competitive federal grant—awarded by the Mississippi Department of Education through Title IV, Part B—supports school districts that are committed to elevating student achievement beyond the traditional school day. With this award, Philadelphia Public Schools will expand before- and after-school opportunities designed to accelerate academic growth, strengthen social-emotional skills, and deepen family engagement.
“This is truly a transformational win for our Tornado community,” said Dr. Shannon Whitehead, Superintendent of Philadelphia Public School District. “This grant empowers us to double down on what matters most—creating safe, enriching spaces where students can thrive, families feel supported, and learning continues long after the dismissal bell. This is a strategic investment in our future workforce, our community, and our children’s long-term success.”
Investing in Student Success
The 21st CCLC grant allows the district to provide an array of high-impact programs, including:
- Academic tutoring and homework support
- STEM, arts, and hands-on enrichment
- Health, wellness, and physical fitness activities
- Youth leadership and college-and-career readiness experiences
- Family literacy and engagement workshops
The grant period runs December 1, 2025 – November 30, 2029, with an extended liquidation period through February 2030. Annual continuation is based on performance and program effectiveness.
A Celebration of Community Progress
“This award reinforces the tremendous work happening across Philadelphia Public Schools,” Dr. Whitehead added. “We are known for being small but mighty—and grants like this prove that our commitment to excellence continues to position us as a leader in Mississippi. Our students deserve every opportunity to shine, and this funding will help us deliver just that.”
Philadelphia Public School District thanks the Mississippi Department of Education for this investment and celebrates the dedicated staff, families, and community partners whose efforts laid the foundation for this achievement.
About Philadelphia Public School District
Philadelphia Public School District is committed to empowering students to achieve excellence academically, socially, and emotionally. Rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, the district continues to move from compliant to committed—ensuring every student is prepared to Enroll, Employ, Enlist, or Empower their future.