21st Century Community Learning Centers (Arkansas)
Eligibility
Arkansas public schools in high-need areas. Programs must serve students during non-school hours. Title I school preference. Schools in rural communities are well positioned.
Program Goals
21st CCLC funds afterschool and summer enrichment programs that complement regular school learning. CS, coding, robotics, and STEM activities are a strong fit for these grants.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Competitive grants administered by AR DESE. Applications submitted through the DESE grants portal. Awards are multi-year — typically 3-5 years of sustained funding.
Cycle Notes
Annual RFP cycle. DESE posts the RFP in spring. Check dese.ade.arkansas.gov for the current timeline.
Grant Award Amount
Multi-year grants. Annual awards vary by program size and student enrollment. AR grants typically range from $50,000 to $200,000 per year depending on program scope.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
- Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of programs does 21st CCLC fund?
Afterschool, weekend, and summer enrichment programs. CS, coding, and STEM activities are strong fits.
How long are 21st CCLC grants?
Multi-year awards — typically 3-5 years. Provides sustained funding for ongoing programs.
Does my school need to be Title I?
Title I schools are prioritized. Check current AR DESE guidelines for eligibility requirements.
When does AR DESE post the RFP?
Typically spring. Monitor dese.ade.arkansas.gov for announcements.
How can Forward Education help?
We help design afterschool STEM program outlines that align to 21st CCLC requirements and AR CS standards.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Arkansas standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
