After School Education and Safety grant program

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program, administered by the California Department of Education, is a state-funded initiative grounded in Proposition 49, a voter-approved measure passed in 2002. This grant supports the establishment and continuation of expanded learning programs across California. These programs focus on academic assistance, literacy development, and safe, structured environments for students outside of regular school hours. The 2025–26 ASES grant program (Round 2) represents a continuation of this initiative, offering financial support to eligible public entities to either sustain existing programs or develop new ones in partnership with schools and local community organizations. The core mission of the ASES program is to bolster educational equity by engaging students in kindergarten through ninth grade during critical after-school hours. Programs funded through ASES must provide academic enrichment and literacy support, and ensure a safe setting that encourages positive youth development. These grants enable schools and community-based organizations to collaborate in offering structured learning and enrichment opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction. The ASES model emphasizes local leadership in program design, aligning activities with community needs and student interests. Funding for the ASES program is structured to both maintain existing programs and expand eligibility to new applicants. Schools that demonstrate the capacity to deliver high-quality programs are encouraged to apply, with award amounts ranging from $50,000 to $203,500 per site. Total funding available for this round is estimated at $30 million. The funding is administered on both an advance and reimbursement basis, and applicants must provide a 33% funding match as part of the cost-sharing requirements. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to public agencies, particularly those working in partnership with local schools. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent, and the application period is currently open with a submission deadline of December 3, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced in January 2026, and the period of performance is described as ongoing. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the complete grant guidelines available on the California Grants Portal. Program evaluation will consider the quality of the application and the applicant's ability to deliver impactful, community-centered programming. While detailed evaluation criteria are not listed in the summary, strong applications will likely address key areas such as academic enrichment, student safety, and community engagement. For assistance, applicants may contact the program office at 1-916-319-0923 or email ExpandedLearning@cde.ca.gov. Given the annual nature of the ASES grant cycle, applicants who miss this deadline or are not selected may have another opportunity to apply in the next cycle. Based on historical patterns, the next round is anticipated to open in Fall 2026. Prospective applicants should plan to monitor the program’s status and be prepared for future submissions accordingly.