What is a 21st CCLC grant?

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program grant is a federal grant that is awarded to states and allows for the states to run their own competitions, with funds for the 21st CCLC grant program being available for obligation by a State Education Agency (SEA) for a total of 27 months for sub-grantees to help students meet state and local academic standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offer students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offer literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

Purpose of Program

The program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.

How is the 21st CCLC Program Evaluated?

Each SEA will design an evaluation that is aligned with the federal requirements. For example, SEAs must design an evaluation that includes:

  • Performance indicators and performance measures that align with the regular academic program of the school(s) participating students attend and the academic needs of those students. These indicators and measures must—
    • Be able to track student success and improvement over time;
    • Include State assessment results and other indicators of student success and improvement, such as improved attendance during the school day, better classroom grades, regular (or consistent) program attendance, on-time advancement to the next grade level; and
    • For high school students, may include indicators such as career competencies, successful completion of internships or apprenticeships, or work-based learning opportunities; and
  • A description of how evaluation data will be collected.

Who is Eligible to Participate in the 21st CCLC Program?

An eligible entity is defined as a Local Education Agency (LEA), community-based organization, Indian Tribe or Tribal organization (as such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act, another public or private entity, or a consortium of two or more such agencies, organizations, or entities.

Research Associates' Impact:

Research Associates has helped to secure over $40 million in funded early childhood and after-school programs including the 21st CCLC grant program.

Contact the Grant Experts:

Could your school district qualify for funding? To find out more about program requirements and eligibility, contact our knowledgeable team at Research Associates.

From Our Partners

Thank you all for the tremendous work you invested in our district! You all are true partners! You all are amazing.

Executive Director, North Carolina

Thank you for guiding us through this process! The expertise and knowledge you provided throughout the process was extremely helpful. You made it all seem so easy!

Executive Director, North Carolina

Another great experience in the books! Your lines of communication have always been great; we know you are always right there!

Associate Superintendent, Georgia

RA puts in the time and detail to ensure they have input and buy-in from departments that will ultimately lead the work. Positive interactions and RA's commitment to creating a workable, high-quality proposal is evident. I appreciate the team's knowledge and willingness to talk through the budget and narrative as needed to get the result the district needs.

School District Grant Director, North Carolina

Thank you so much for such excellent customer service! I have enjoyed working with you and the team in developing this grant. Kudos—it's a winner!

Assistant Superintendent, Georgia