21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant Program

The Alaska 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, administered by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED), offers competitive grant funding to support the development and enhancement of out-of-school time learning opportunities for students in high-poverty and low-performing schools. Authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the program seeks to elevate student academic achievement by creating "community learning centers" that provide enriched academic support, cultural experiences, career readiness, and life skill development. These centers are designed to operate beyond regular school hours—including after school, before school, weekends, and during school breaks—and aim to engage students in learning environments that are safe, accessible, and stimulating. Eligible applicants for the FY27 cycle include Alaska-based school districts, community-based organizations, tribal and faith-based organizations, and other public or private entities. Each applicant must propose to serve students who primarily attend schools where at least 40% of the student population is economically disadvantaged or designated as Title I-A schoolwide sites. Applicants may apply independently or in consortiums, though only one lead applicant per application is permitted. Non-district entities must demonstrate collaboration with the schools whose students they will serve. No applicant may operate more than six centers, and DEED will only fund up to two grants per school district to ensure equitable distribution. The estimated total available funding for FY27 is approximately $3,900,000, sourced from federal Title IV-B allocations. Individual grant awards must fall within a range of $50,000 to $900,000 per year. Grant awards will be made for up to five years, with each year’s continuation contingent upon federal appropriations, satisfactory grantee performance, and compliance with program and fiscal requirements. In rare circumstances, Alaska DEED may elect to offer a one-time non-competitive renewal for up to five additional years, though the agency typically encourages competitive reapplication to maintain program integrity and equity. Funds must be used to support both academic enrichment and a wide range of student development activities. These may include tutoring, homework help, STEM education, fine arts, physical activity, literacy and financial education, career exploration, and social-emotional learning. Required expenditures include staff wages and benefits, site coordination, external evaluations, transportation, and supplies. Federal and state regulations prohibit the use of grant funds for activities conducted during school hours, subgrants, overnight trips, capital improvements, or activities such as e-sports or promotional items. Grantees must also contract with an external evaluator to conduct at least one annual program quality observation. To support equitable access and inclusivity, applicants must conduct timely consultations with eligible private schools and tribal representatives within their program’s service area and must submit signed documentation of these consultations. If the schools or tribes decline or do not respond, applicants must retain evidence of outreach. Grantees must also ensure their programs accommodate and serve students with disabilities and other underserved populations. Nutritional needs are supported through federal USDA programs; 21st CCLC funds may only be used to cover gaps if other programs fall short. The application submission deadline for this funding cycle is April 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM AKDST. Applications must be submitted electronically as a single PDF using Alaska’s ZendTo secure file transfer system. An Intent to Apply form was due by March 5, 2026. DEED will issue award notifications by approximately May 20, 2026, with grant funding to begin on July 1, 2026. Evaluation criteria will be applied by a panel of reviewers, and awards will be made based on proposal quality, need, alignment with state goals, and cost-effectiveness. Appeals are governed by state regulation and must be filed within the specified timeframe. Comprehensive reporting and monitoring requirements apply throughout the grant period. These include quarterly financial reports, annual program data, local evaluation submissions, and participation in both state and national training events. DEED also requires grantees to submit annual budget updates, sustain community partnerships, engage in continuous quality improvement, and participate in statewide best-practice sharing initiatives. Noncompliance, performance issues, or failure to meet commitments may result in reduced or terminated funding.

Use DEED’s “Comparable Cost Calculator” and consult past program cost benchmarks to create a competitive budget.