ERI Grants Helps Secure $120,000 Arizona After School Grant

Educational Research Institute (ERI Grants) has secured an Arizona After School Grant totaling $120,000 for a local district, expanding academic enrichment and adding safe, high-quality programs and activities for students beyond the regular school day.

This funding comes through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative — the only federal source dedicated exclusively to supporting out-of-school-time programs. Across Arizona, schools and community partners rely on this grant to create safe spaces that keep students learning, engaged, and connected after hours.

Districts can stay informed about upcoming opportunities by visiting State Funding Available to see what’s next.

What the Arizona After School Grant Covers

A 21st CCLC Arizona After School Grant builds on daily classroom learning. Funded programs provide tutoring, homework help, STEM clubs, arts and music, wellness and fitness activities, career readiness, and other enrichment that helps students thrive.

These programs are flexible and responsive. Some students need extra help meeting state standards in reading and math, while others thrive through hands-on projects or creative activities not covered in a typical day. Schools can adapt grant-supported activities to match what families and students need most.

Above all, these programs offer safe, supportive spaces for students during critical after-school hours. This funding helps communities keep students engaged and moving forward, long after the last bell rings.

Academic Enrichment Focus

The Arizona After School Grant is designed to strengthen students’ academic growth. Every 21st CCLC site must include structured plans for tutoring, homework support, and academic activities directly tied to the regular school curriculum. Teachers and program staff often coordinate to reinforce lessons and fill gaps. This extra support time helps students catch up and build skills that help them meet Arizona’s academic standards.

Supporting Strong Family Engagement

A strong family engagement plan is required for every Arizona After School Grant. Schools must create clear, practical ways for families to stay involved, from workshops and flexible meetings to resource connections and direct input.

When families feel informed and included, students benefit at home and at school. Strong engagement builds trust and shows parents how they can support their child’s learning in everyday ways. This connection is essential for long-term success and is at the heart of every high-quality program.

Ongoing Family Engagement Metrics

Each 21st CCLC program must track family engagement year-round. This means showing how schools stay in touch, gather input, and adjust based on what families need. It goes beyond sending information home. Instead, it means real two-way conversations, accessible meeting times, and sharing tools that help families support learning at home. Programs report this data to keep efforts strong and responsive.

Meeting 21st CCLC Requirements

Every Arizona After School Grant must meet strict guidelines under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Funding must supplement, not replace, what schools already offer. Schools outline how they’ll measure student progress, provide a range of youth development activities, and strengthen family partnerships.

Districts must also share clear plans for tracking results, like gains in literacy and math, student participation rates, and family engagement levels. This keeps programs on track and shows the Arizona Department of Education how the funding creates real outcomes year after year.

Schools can explore new state funding available to strengthen programs and add even more student support.

Benefits of After School Programs for Students and Families

A well-run Arizona After School Grant program impacts more than grades alone. It offers students a safe place to grow, build confidence, and discover interests that could shape future careers. Research shows these programs improve attendance, boost behavior, and increase classroom success.

Students build social skills, learn teamwork, and find trusted mentors among staff and community partners. These gains carry over into the school day, helping kids feel more connected and supported.

Families benefit too. Parents gain peace of mind knowing their children are safe and learning. After-school programs also make it easier for working families to balance home and work life, which helps the entire community.

Range of Services for Whole-Child Development

An Arizona After School Grant funds more than academics. Programs can include arts and music, physical fitness and wellness, nutrition education, financial or environmental literacy, and community service or leadership clubs. Older students may have access to internships or apprenticeships tied to local industries. This whole-child approach builds healthy habits, life skills, and motivation to stay engaged at school and beyond.

How Community Partnerships Strengthen 21st CCLC Programs

No Arizona After School Grant works in isolation. Local partners — businesses, nonprofits, colleges — make programs stronger and more sustainable. They bring fresh ideas, share resources, and expand what’s possible.

For example, colleges may provide STEM mentors, arts groups can lead workshops, and health providers may host wellness or nutrition classes. These partnerships help students connect learning to the real world, see new pathways, and feel more supported.

Tracking Success for an Arizona After School Grant

Strong tracking is a must for every Arizona After School Grant. Programs measure student progress in core subjects like reading and math, record participation in enrichment activities, and report family engagement levels.

Sharing these results with the Arizona Department of Education helps programs stay accountable and supports improvements for future years. Strong data also shows the value of continued funding and community support.

Our Commitment to Evaluation

At ERI Grants, every proposal goes through a complete review before submission. Our step-by-step evaluation checks that each section meets funder goals, stays on budget, and complies with all technical details. From first draft to final polish, our review ensures each proposal is accurate and ready to stand out.

How ERI Grants Supports Arizona After School Grant Applicants

At ERI Grants, our mission is to help schools and communities secure the funding they need to grow student learning and community partnerships. With a team of 30 professionals and more than 24 years of experience, we deliver proposals tailored to each client’s unique goals.

Operating in 23 states, we offer full grant services, including:

• Detailed Consultation: We learn about your vision and funding needs.

• Thorough Research: We match your goals with the best funding opportunities.

• Professional Writing: We craft proposals that meet every requirement.

• Full Review: We check each detail for clarity, accuracy, and compliance.

• Submission and Follow-Up: We handle deadlines, documents, and questions from funders.

• Tracking and Evaluation: We keep you informed on progress and results.

Your Trusted Partner for Grant Writing and Evaluation

At ERI Grants, we help schools, nonprofits, cities, and health organizations secure funding through comprehensive grant writing and clear, step-by-step evaluation. Each project begins with a detailed consultation to understand your mission, goals, and funding needs. This groundwork makes sure every proposal aligns with program guidelines and the priorities of the funder.

Our experienced team conducts in-depth research to identify the right grant opportunities and studies funder compliance requirements, deadlines, and success criteria. Every proposal we write includes all the essentials — a compelling cover letter, a clear narrative, an organized budget, and a practical plan for implementation.

Before submission, we run each application through a full evaluation process. This review checks every detail for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the funder’s rules. We verify budgets, assess logic models, check formatting, and provide clear feedback and revisions when needed.

Our commitment doesn’t end with submission. ERI Grants handles follow-up, tracks progress, provides donor and performance reports, and shares guidance for long-term sustainability. Many clients also benefit from our training workshops and partnership support to build strong funding strategies for the future.

Make the Most of an Arizona After School Grant

This $120,000 award shows what’s possible when clear goals, strong community ties, and trusted support come together. An Arizona After School Grant opens doors for students to thrive and keeps families connected every step of the way.

If your district wants to explore what’s possible with an Arizona After School Grant, ERI Grants is here to help.

Visit ERI Grants to see how our Services and team can help you secure the funding your school community needs.