FAMU SMART Academies (21st CCLC) is a School-Within-A-School, after school program, housed at FAMU DRS. Commensurate with the federal and state education mandates, FAMU SMART Academies embraces the opportunity to positively influence student performance through the implementation of innovational educational practices. Select academic disciplines are offered in after school and summer programs for students enrolled in grades K-12 at DRS.

FAMU SMART Academies feature five academies in the areas of Science, Mathematics, the Arts, Reading and Technology. The Arts, including visual, performing and culinary are infused in each academy. The academies provide opportunities that address the academic needs of students through project-based learning activities, homework assistance, tutoring, field experiences, career exploration, service learning, character education, physical education, recreational activities, and dropout prevention.

All instructions are delivered through curricular materials that are research-proven. Academies offer parent involvement opportunities to facilitate character development and encourage family literacy. The FAMU SMART Academies program is primarily designed to support DRS academic structure; enhance students’ performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FACT); increase the number of students graduating from high school; improve the academic performance of at-risk students; and facilitate at-risk students’ admission to college.