Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released the Fiscal Year 2026 Request for Proposals for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. This federal initiative is designed to provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students attending high-poverty and low-performing schools. It aims to help students meet state and local academic standards in core subjects, offer a broad array of enrichment activities, and provide literacy and educational development opportunities for families. The 21st CCLC program supports the creation of community learning centers that offer students a safe, supportive environment during after-school hours, weekends, and summers. These centers can provide services such as tutoring, STEM programs, arts and music education, mentoring, character education, and more. A critical feature of the program is its emphasis on partnerships among schools, community organizations, and families to ensure comprehensive support for participating youth. Eligible applicants include local educational agencies (LEAs), community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and other public or private entities that can demonstrate the capacity to establish and sustain the program. Applicants must serve students who attend schools eligible for Title I Schoolwide Programs or demonstrate that at least 40% of students served are from low-income families. All applicants must also conduct a needs assessment and include evaluation plans to measure the program’s effectiveness. Grant awards will range from $50,000 to $600,000 per year, depending on the size and scope of the proposed program. Grants are issued for a five-year performance period, subject to annual renewals based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. A 40% cash or in-kind match is required, and funding may not be used for capital improvements or supplanting existing services. Program funds may be used for staffing, program supplies, professional development, transportation, and other allowable costs that directly support program goals. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Illinois State Board of Education’s Web Application Security (IWAS) system by 4:00 PM Central Time on November 24, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. The application must include a narrative, budget forms, program design, and documentation of community partnerships. Priority points may be awarded to applicants proposing to serve students in rural areas, provide programming during summer or non-traditional hours, or collaborate with specific types of community partners. This opportunity follows a recurring funding cycle and aligns with the U.S. Department of Education’s priorities for supporting expanded learning time and family engagement. Awards are anticipated in spring 2026, with projects commencing as early as July 1, 2026. ISBE provides technical assistance and resources for prospective applicants and encourages all interested entities to review the full RFP for eligibility and application requirements.

Priority points awarded for rural schools, summer programming, and strong partnerships; applications must be fully complete and submitted on time; supplanting is prohibited