A Department of Education program meant to support technology, literacy and other education efforts among poor inner-city and rural residents is being criticized for its emphasis on placing centers in elementary and middle schools, the Associated Press reports.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program was established five years ago to provide greater access to after-school learning centers, for both adults and children. Each center must offer at least four programs from a list that covers senior citizens activities, nutrition and health education, parenting education, employment counseling, technology training and child care services, AP reports.

The program currently funds about 2,100 learning centers used by an estimated 500,000 children, with 80 percent of these facilities also serving adults, AP reports.

However, the centers' success with children is one reason why they are coming under fire. Former Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Wis., who helped create the program, told the AP that the Department of Education is defeating the purpose of the program by locating most of the centers in elementary and middle schools that don't have the resources to do much more beyond child care.

Critics argue the money could be better spent on high schools and community organizations that already have the equipment and resources for comprehensive educational programs, AP reports.

"Community organizations bring fresh ideas and new ways of thinking to the table," Lynne Vaughan, a YMCA executive, told the House Education and Workforce subcommittee while testifying on the program. "There are organizations in these communities that have the capacity to operate a quality after-school program."

However, Michael Cohen -- a deputy to Education Secretary Richard Riley -- testified that the centers are "sound, strong and moving in the right direction," citing examples such as a Detroit charter school center that trains parents on computers and offers drug-abuse awareness and conflict resolution counseling.

President Clinton has proposed doubling the program's funds to $1 billion in his latest budget, opening 1,900 more centers nationwide, AP reports.

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