The Minnesota Department of Education has administered the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program since 2002. The purpose of the program is to establish or expand community learning centers that provide students with enrichment opportunities during nonschool hours or periods when school is not in session (such as before and after school or during summer recess). These federal funds, authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, are awarded through a competitive peer review process that prioritizes programs serving students in high-poverty, low-performing schools.

An effective community learning center engages schools and communities to address a common goal. These partnerships provide students with a broad array of academic supports, enrichment programs and school engagement opportunities designed to complement their regular academic program and help students achieve, connect and thrive.

A list of external organizations to provide community learning centers (and aspiring community learning centers) with mentoring and guidance is available from Ignite Afterschool. External organizations are nonprofit organizations screened by Ignite Afterschool to ensure their professional development is aligned with Believe It. Build It. Minnesota’s Guide to Effective Afterschool Practices. The designation is primarily a courtesy to help 21st CCLC grantees and applicants be aware of the variety of nonprofits that may have the interest and capacity to support them as they plan and implement effective programs. Designation of an organization as an "External Organization" does not ensure the organization will be invited to contract with 21st CCLC grantees or applicants.

We anticipate the next 21st CCLC grant competition will be held in late 2022 or early 2023, for grants that begin in the 2023-24 school year. You may sign up for email alerts to receive an announcement when the new grant request is released. 
 

• Program Year 2020-21 Guide for 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Grantees - 8/31/20
  Support for grantees receiving funding as they provide programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 21st Century Community Learning Center Performance Report 2016-17 - 8/11/20
  Data on student outcomes and characteristics for participants of 21st CCLC programs in Minnesota.
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