The Tougaloo College Family Life Center houses the Tougaloo College 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC). The 21st CCLC is a cooperative venture of community-based partnerships, including Capital City Alternative School; Youth on the Move, Inc.; Central Mississippi Health Services; Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center; Tougaloo College Division of Education, Supervision and Instruction; the Jackson Police Department; churches; parents; private enterprises; local civic and youth organizations; family service organizations; and government agencies.

The Center seeks to address the escalating national problems of youth health-related issues, low academic achievement and violence experienced by families and individuals in the African-American community in Jackson, Mississippi. The Center mobilizes community partners to provide middle school youth with a safe, structural and nurturing environment when school is not in session.

Goals

I: Provide After School Programs, Mentoring Initiatives, Community Service Activities, Saturday Wellness Programs and Summer Institutes that will increase academic performance and reduce high risk unhealthy behaviors, and will increase knowledge and awareness regarding violence and behaviors that lead to healthier lifestyles choices.

II: To mobilize community partners including educational institutions, social service agencies, health/mental health agencies, faith and community-based organizations and the business community to improve the quality of life for “at-risk” middle school youth attending Capital City Alternative School in Jackson, Mississippi.

III: To strengthen family functioning by increasing cohesion, enhancing socially approved morals and linking families to social support networks within the community.