21st Century CCLC Grant Guide: Eligibility, Funding, Tips

After school and summer programs change lives, but many districts and community groups struggle to keep them funded. Staff see clear needs in assignments help, youth safety, social emotional learning, and family support, yet program budgets stay tight or unstable.

At Educational Research Institute ERI Grants we help schools and nonprofits secure funding so they can build strong out of school time programs without taking on more financial risk. Through contingency based grant writing our clients do not pay upfront for proposals. They only pay if they win the grant. This model makes high quality grant support accessible for under resourced communities.

In this guide we share what the 21st century CCLC grant is, who can apply, what activities it supports, and how we at ERI Grants can help you submit a strong application and plan for long term impact.

What The 21st Century CCLC Grant Is And Why It Matters

The 21st century CCLC grant is a federal program that supports after school and summer learning centers. States receive funding from the United States Department of Education and then run their own competitive grant cycles. Local grantees use funds to run safe, structured programs outside the regular school day.

These centers focus on students who face barriers linked to poverty and school performance. Many students need extra time and support to meet state standards and to feel safe and connected to caring adults. The grant helps districts and partners meet those needs in a focused and consistent way.

The program also supports families. Strong community learning centers invite parents and caregivers into the school space. They give families clear information, useful workshops, and a sense of shared purpose around student success.

Core Purposes Of 21st Century CCLC

The grant serves a clear set of purposes that guide each state program and local proposal.

The program aims to

• Provide academic enrichment during out of school hours

• Help students meet state and local academic standards

• Offer safe spaces that support social emotional learning and healthy behavior

• Connect youth with arts, sports, and hands on activities that build skills and curiosity

• Provide literacy and education services for families of participating students

At ERI Grants we use these purposes as a checklist during planning. Every activity in a proposal should connect to at least one of these goals, and strong programs support several at the same time.

Key Federal And State Roles

At the federal level the United States Department of Education sets core rules, goals, and reporting expectations for the 21st century CCLC grant. The department also offers national guidance, research, and technical help.

State education agencies receive funds and manage the local competitions. Each state

• Releases request for proposals and application guidance

• Sets scoring criteria within federal rules

• Provides training for current and new grantees

• Reviews data and reports on outcomes

Because each state has its own process and timeline, it is important to read current state guidance closely. Our team tracks state level updates so we can align each application with current expectations and scoring rubrics.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For 21st Century CCLC Funding

State guidelines may vary, but the 21st century CCLC grant generally supports centers that serve students who attend schools with high levels of poverty or lower academic performance. Programs must target students most affected by barriers in access, resources, and opportunity.

Eligible Organizations And Partnerships

Typical applicants include

• School districts and individual public schools

• Charter schools

• Community based organizations and nonprofits

• Faith based groups

• City or county agencies

• Colleges and universities

• Tribal organizations

Many states encourage or require partnerships. For example a district may partner with a nonprofit that runs youth development activities, while the district supplies space, transportation, and student data. These partnerships can strengthen both the design and sustainability of a center.

At ERI Grants we often help form and document these partnerships as part of the proposal process. We support partners in defining clear roles, in kind support, and shared goals.

Target Students And Families

The primary targets are students who attend schools that serve many low income families and who show academic or engagement needs. Programs can serve elementary, middle, and high school students. Some centers focus on one level, while others serve a mix of ages with separate tracks.

Family members of participating students are also a core audience. Grants can fund family literacy events, workshops on supporting learning at home, and connections to community resources such as mental health, housing support, or workforce training. This family focus supports equity and long term change.

Allowable Activities And Program Requirements

States base program rules on federal guidance, so the core structure of a 21st century CCLC grant is similar across the country. Programs must provide academic enrichment during times when regular school is not in session. They must also meet safety standards, reporting rules, and family engagement expectations.

Academic Enrichment And Youth Development

Academic services often include Assignments support and tutoring Project based learning Credit recovery or supplemental instruction

Youth development activities help students build confidence and life skills. Examples include arts, music, sports, leadership clubs, mentoring, service projects, and career exposure. Strong centers connect these activities back to academic and social emotional goals.

Family Engagement And Community Services

Grantees can offer a wide range of activities for families, such as

• Literacy nights

• Workshops on social emotional supports, digital safety, or college and career planning

• Help with understanding school data

• Referrals to health, housing, or social service partners

These services are important for equity. They help families who face systemic barriers gain direct access to information and support in a trusted setting.

Staffing, Safety, And Program Quality

Every 21st century CCLC grant must show a clear plan for staffing and safety. Programs should

• Use qualified staff

• Provide regular training

• Follow student supervision policies

• Maintain safe facilities and emergency plans

Quality programs also use feedback from students, families, and staff to improve over time. At ERI Grants we help clients build simple quality review tools and link them to their evaluation plans.

How The 21st Century CCLC Application Process Works

Each state sets its own steps for the 21st century CCLC grant, but the general path is similar. The state issues a request for proposals, offers technical sessions, and sets clear deadlines. Applicants then submit a full proposal that goes through a competitive review.

Finding State RFPs And Timelines

Most states expect early planning that includes partner agreements, schedules, staffing plans, and budget frameworks. Early preparation supports stronger narratives.

At ERI Grants we handle the full pre award process so school and agency staff can stay focused on current students.

Tips For Writing A Competitive 21st Century CCLC Proposal

A strong 21st century CCLC grant proposal shows the program is clear, realistic, and aligned with both needs and funder goals.

Core Components Of A Strong Application

Competitive proposals usually include

• Community and student needs

• Goals tied to program purposes

• Daily and yearly schedules

• Specific academic and enrichment activities

• Partner roles

• Staffing plans

• Detailed and reasonable budgets

We help clients structure proposals so each section answers a clear question.

Data, Outcomes, And Evaluation Plans

States expect measurable objectives and clear methods for reviewing data. A solid plan should

Set measurable academic and attendance goals Name tools and data sources Explain how staff will review data Include reporting plans

At ERI Grants we build logic models that connect needs, activities, and outcomes.

Building Local Partnerships And Match Resources

Partnerships may include nonprofits, libraries, health providers, workforce groups, or faith communities. Strong partners bring resources that stretch 21st century CCLC grant dollars.

Budgeting And Managing Grant Funds Responsibly

Reviewers look for clear and justified budgets aligned with goals. Applicants should link each cost to a specific need and show sound fiscal controls.

Planning For Sustainability Beyond The Grant

Long term impact depends on sustainability beyond the grant cycle. Strong programs use quality data, maintain compliance, and build additional revenue streams.

Conclusion

The 21st century CCLC grant offers a clear path to fund after school and summer programs that reach students with the greatest needs. With careful planning, strong partnerships, and a focus on equity, grantees can build centers that support academics, social emotional growth, safety, and family engagement.

At ERI Grants we blend deep grant writing experience with a contingency based approach, so clients do not face upfront proposal costs. The ER Team can help you review your eligibility, strengthen your partnerships, and develop a program design that truly serves your students and families. Contact us at ERI Grants and we can help you reach opportunities.

21st Century CCLC Grant – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 21st Century CCLC grant and what does it fund?

The 21st century CCLC grant funds after school and summer learning centers that support academic enrichment, youth development, social emotional learning, family literacy, and safe spaces outside the school day.

Who is eligible to apply for a 21st Century CCLC grant?

Eligible applicants include school districts, charter schools, nonprofits, faith based groups, colleges, tribal organizations, and public agencies serving high poverty schools.

What activities can be included in a 21st Century CCLC program?

Allowable activities include tutoring, project based learning, arts, music, sports, mentoring, credit recovery, and family engagement supports.

How does the application process work?

Each state issues its own RFP with deadlines and scoring criteria. Applicants must submit a full program design, agreements, staffing plans, evaluation methods, and budgets.

How much funding is available?

Funding amounts vary by state and program size. Multi year awards often fall between tens of thousands and several hundred thousand dollars per year.

Can these grants replace school funding?

No. Funds must supplement existing services, not replace them.