Submission deadline nearing for grants to fund after-school programs

Applications for the next round of 21st Century Community Learning Center, or 21st CCLC, grants are due later this month. The centers provide students with academic enrichment opportunities and activities designed to complement the students’ regular school instruction.

Grant award amounts range from $50,000 to $150,000 per year, and the life of the grant is five years. While funds are often awarded to schools, other organizations are also eligible to apply. The grants must specifically support programs offered outside of regular school hours. The learning centers are intended to assist students from high-poverty and low-achieving schools in need of additional support. Funding for this grant comes from the federal government in the form of a formula grant to the states. Because it is authorized under No Child Left Behind, programming must include an academic component and content-specific enrichment activities.

Grant applications must be submitted to the South Dakota Department of Education by Feb. 24.

Find more information and application online. Contact Sue Burgard with any additional questions.