How to Apply for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant

If you are planning afterschool or summer programs and need funding, this is your moment to act. At ERI Grants, we help schools and community partners design strong proposals that win competitive awards and deliver measurable results for students and families. Understanding how to apply for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant can turn strong ideas into fully funded programs that benefit your community.

The Texas 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant is now open, offering awards of up to $2 million per year. The program supports academic enrichment, youth development, and family engagement outside regular school hours. To date, we have helped secure $144,571,669 in 21st CCLC funds for schools, districts, and nonprofits nationwide.

Our contingency-based model means no upfront cost. You pay only if you win, keeping the process accessible for underfunded organizations. With over two decades of success, our team provides full support from concept to completion so your program can launch on time and serve those who need it most.

Exploring the 21st CCLC Program

The 21st CCLC program funds afterschool, weekend, and summer activities that reinforce academics and promote well-being. Programs may include tutoring, homework help, STEM projects, arts, sports, counseling, and family literacy. Funds can cover curriculum, staff, transportation, supplies, and technology.

Eligible applicants include school districts, charter schools, tribes, higher education institutions, municipalities, and community or faith-based nonprofits. Each state’s State Education Agency (SEA) administers the competition and posts the Request for Applications (RFA) with rules and deadlines.

Because each state runs its own process, understanding local requirements is critical. Our team helps clients interpret these differences and prepare applications that meet every expectation.

Priorities for High-Need Communities

The 21st CCLC program prioritizes schools with high poverty and low performance. Funders look for programs that close opportunity gaps, improve safety, and build academic and social skills.

Strong proposals demonstrate how services will reduce barriers such as transportation, disability access, or limited family resources. They also show how activities connect to state standards and measurable student outcomes.

At ERI Grants, we craft proposals that highlight each community’s unique strengths and challenges. Our goal is to ensure that every project clearly addresses equity and supports students who need expanded learning opportunities the most.

Find Your State’s Competition and Timeline

Each state releases its own 21st CCLC competition. Locating the right documents and meeting every date are key steps to eligibility.

Visit your State Education Agency website and search for “21st Century Community Learning Centers.” Download the RFP or RFA, the scoring rubric, and all required forms. Note the contact person and register for any bidder webinars.

Keep three important deadlines in mind:

• The intent to apply (if required)

  
  

• Any technical assistance or bidder conference dates

  
  

• The final submission date and time

  
  

Submit early to avoid technical issues. Late applications are rarely accepted. Our team helps clients track every step to prevent errors and ensure timely submission.

Build a Strong, Needs-Based Program

Successful applications are driven by real data and community input. Start with a needs assessment that uses current data on academics, attendance, and behavior. Include surveys or meetings with parents, teachers, and students to support your findings.

Once needs are identified, connect them to solutions. Design activities that balance academic enrichment with social-emotional development. Use interventions with proven effectiveness, and plan progress checks to measure impact.

Partnerships strengthen every proposal. Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, or higher education partners to share space, staff, or resources. Document these relationships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that clearly define roles and commitments.

Transportation and family engagement also matter. Funders want to see that programs are accessible and inclusive. Plan for language access, disability accommodations, and family workshops on literacy, health, or college readiness.

Develop a Compliant Budget and Sustainability Plan

A realistic, compliant budget shows readiness to manage funds responsibly. Use your state’s allowability list to separate direct and administrative costs. Document any matching contributions if required.

Define staff roles, schedules, and certifications clearly. Follow procurement rules when hiring vendors or purchasing materials, and keep documentation for all expenses. Internal controls, such as approval processes and monthly reconciliations, are essential for audit readiness.

Funders also expect sustainability beyond the grant period. Plan how the program will continue through braided funding, in-kind support, or future grant cycles. We help clients map out year-over-year plans that build financial stability while maintaining program quality.

Craft a Competitive Application

A strong application follows the RFP exactly. Reviewers appreciate proposals that are clear, concise, and complete.

Structure your narrative around the scoring rubric. Use headings that match RFP sections and answer each prompt once. Avoid repetition, vague claims, or unsupported data. Every statement should connect to measurable objectives.

Include all required attachments such as partner letters, MOUs, safety plans, and resumes of key staff. Add a logic model if your state allows visuals, linking needs, activities, and expected outcomes.

Knowing how to apply for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant effectively requires precision and alignment. Before submitting, have an external reviewer check your proposal against the rubric. Even minor formatting or calculation errors can reduce your score. At ERI Grants, we use internal review systems that mirror state scoring to help maximize every possible point.

For a full overview of what we include in our grant writing support, visit our services page.

Submit and Prepare for Implementation

Before submitting, review your application for accuracy and completeness, then save a final copy. Once it’s in, start planning for next steps, such as training staff, organizing logistics, and preparing for launch. If awarded, move quickly to begin operations and ensure a strong start for your program.

Why Work with ERI Grants

Since 2001, ERI Grants has helped schools, districts, cities, and nonprofits across the United States secure competitive funding for programs that make a real difference. Founded by Linda V. Alaniz, our firm is built on values of equity, safety, social-emotional learning, and educational technology. We believe that funding should never be the barrier that prevents great ideas from serving students and families.

Our contingency-based grant writing model reflects that belief. You pay only if your proposal is funded, making the process accessible to organizations with limited resources. With a success rate averaging 78–80 percent, we have proven that expertise and collaboration lead to results.

Our team includes educators, evaluators, and project managers who understand the full grant cycle from planning and writing to implementation and reporting. We translate complex requirements into clear, persuasive proposals that align with funder priorities while staying true to each organization’s mission.

Whether you are a small district applying for your first 21st CCLC grant or a large organization expanding to multiple sites, we tailor every strategy to fit your goals. Beyond writing, we assist with budget planning, data collection, evaluation, and post-award compliance, ensuring your program remains strong long after funding is secured.

At ERI Grants, success is measured not just in dollars awarded but in the programs launched and the students served. Learn more about our team and how we help communities turn strong ideas into funded, sustainable initiatives.

The Texas Opportunity

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) currently has the 21st CCLC competition open. Awards may reach up to $2 million annually. Texas prioritizes programs that:

• Serve students in high-poverty and low-performing schools

  
  

• Offer academic enrichment tied to state standards

  
  

• Provide safe, engaging environments during out-of-school hours

  
  

• Strengthen family involvement and community partnerships

  
  

Our team ensures that every Texas applicant meets all TEA requirements, aligns to the scoring rubric, and designs a program that reflects both state and local priorities. For assistance, visit our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps in knowing how to apply for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant?

Start by confirming eligibility, downloading your state’s RFP, and noting key deadlines. Register in your SEA portal, complete assurances, and begin designing an evidence-based program that meets community needs.

Who can apply for the 21st CCLC grant?

 Eligible applicants include school districts, charter schools, tribes, municipalities, colleges, and nonprofit or faith-based organizations serving high-need communities.

What can 21st CCLC funding cover?

 Funds may be used for tutoring, enrichment, STEM, arts, physical activity, counseling, and family engagement programs that occur outside school hours.

How can ERI Grants help me apply?

 We provide full-cycle support—writing, compliance review, budgeting, and post-award guidance—through a contingency-based model. Learn more on our services page.

Where can I find additional resources?

 Explore the blog for updates on education funding, or reach out through our contact page to begin your application.

Conclusion

Knowing how to apply for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant opportunities begins with preparation, precision, and strong partnerships. Confirm eligibility, build a needs-driven program, and align your proposal with state priorities for the best chance of success.

At ERI Grants, we support every step of the process. Our contingency-based model and nationwide experience give your proposal the competitive edge it deserves. Together, we can transform your vision into a funded program that expands learning, strengthens families, and uplifts communities.

Visit our blog for more grant insights or contact us to start your 21st CCLC application today.