21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), through its Office of Continuous Improvement and Support, is offering competitive funding under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Cycle 23 initiative. Funded through Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act, this grant supports the creation and enhancement of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children attending high-poverty and low-performing schools. The primary objective is to help students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects while offering a broad array of enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs. The grant is available to a diverse range of eligible applicants, including local education agencies (LEAs), community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, private schools, and other public or private entities. To be eligible, applicants must propose to serve a school where at least 40% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch. Priority is given to those serving Title I, Part A schoolwide program schools. Each application may serve only one school site and must include a co-applicant, with signed agreement documentation. Funding is offered as a three-year subgrant at a fixed rate of $150,000 annually, disbursed on a reimbursement basis, with continuation dependent on availability of federal funds and program performance. No matching funds are required. Grantees must be able to front initial costs and comply with indirect cost limitations—8% for CBOs and FBOs or the district’s restricted rate for LEAs. No program fees may be charged, ensuring equitable access for low-income families. Programs must offer a minimum of 120 days of service per year, operating at least four days per week and two hours per day, and must meet summer programming requirements specific to grade levels. Applications must be submitted via email to KDE at KDERFP@education.ky.gov by January 20, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET. A technical assistance webinar will be held on October 23, 2025. All application components, including a needs assessment, logic model, budget narrative, co-applicant and partner agreements, must follow formatting and submission protocols strictly outlined in the RFA. Questions are accepted via email until October 29, 2025. Proposals are evaluated using a rigorous peer-review process, with points awarded across six major areas including needs assessment, program design, operations, partnerships, evaluation, and budget. Competitive priorities add additional weight to applications that serve new schools, demonstrate academic improvement, offer transportation, and meet attendance benchmarks. Award announcements are anticipated by March 31, 2026, and funds are expected to be available by July 1, 2026. Programs are required to operate through September 30, 2029, pending compliance and funding availability. Annual reporting and participation in mandatory training are essential components of continued eligibility.

Ensure all required forms (A–M) are signed and correctly ordered; follow redaction instructions strictly; late or oversized files are not accepted.