The 21st CCLC Program is a grant program supports the creation of community learning centers that conduct programs for students. The Community Learning Center is a federally funded program.
Awards are made to State Education Agencies, which in turn manage statewide competitions and award grants to eligible entities. Faith-based organizations are eligible to participate in this program.
The 21st CCLC program is implemented at several different levels. The core implementation starts at the federal level then is moved to the state level and is finally distributed at the local level to the eligible entities on the front lines.
Many states around the country are conducting competitions to award Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. The State Contact List now includes links to State websites and recent RFPs.
Each institution that receives the award can use the funds to complete a wide range of after- or pre-school activities to advance student achievement.
You for Youth (y4y.ed.gov) online professional learning community helps local and state 21st Century Community Learning Centers program staff and their stakeholders to share best practices and connect with each other.