After$chool funding: 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Welcome to our series on funding and sustainability for afterschool and summer learning programs! We will be sharing information about top funding streams and how to access them every Friday during this campaign. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to make sure you get regular updates.

When an afterschool program is seeking funding, where should they begin their search? We recommend looking into 21st Century Community Learning Centers!

Currently appropriated at $1.329B, the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program (21st CCLC) is the largest federal funding stream dedicated to supporting afterschool and out-of-school time programming. 21st CCLC is a competitive grant conducted by state education agencies and distributed in 3- to 5-year seed grants that support partnerships among community-based organizations, city run programs like park and recreation departments and libraries, faith-based partners, private providers, and school partners including charter schools.

The grant is a favorite among OST providers in part because funds can be extremely flexible and used to support a wide range of activities, including math and reading programs, physical activity, youth workforce programs, violence prevention, counseling for students, and more.

Quick facts about 21st CCLC:

• Who controls the money: State education agencies, typically state departments of education
• Who is eligible: Community organizations, city-run programs, and school districts
• How much is a typical grant: Grants vary by state, but are funded at a minimum of $50,000 per year
• How long is the grant: 3 to 5 years depending on the state

21st CCLC-funded programs are as unique as the communities they serve. One example is Birmingham, Alabama’s BREAD (Birmingham Regional Empowerment and Development) Center, whose goal is to provide fun and engaging activities for youth that keep them wanting to come back to the program day after day. Through their partnership network they provide enriching hands-on learning opportunities that include gardening, cooking, fire safety, and financial literacy classes, as well as a unique opportunity to take part in a real world satellite programming competition aboard the International Space Station in partnership with NASA.

In Alaska, high school students at Lathrop After the Bell take part in college and career readiness programming, including a variety of STEM-based enrichment courses to help build 21^st century skills and prepare students for jobs in in-demand fields, as well as any activities that might pique their interest. Part of the programming also includes “LAB” time, where students can get help in developing resumes, filling out job applications, practicing interview skills, or any other help they might need in planning for their futures.

To learn more about 21st CCLC grants, visit our 21st CCLC page. You can also find out more about 21st CCLC in your state at your state’s department of education!