21st Century Community Learning Centers (Mississippi)
Eligibility
Mississippi K-12 public schools in high-need areas. Title I schools are prioritized. Programs must serve students during non-school hours — afterschool, weekends, and summers. Rural MS schools with high-need populations are well positioned.
Program Goals
21st CCLC funds afterschool, weekend, and summer enrichment programs that complement regular school learning. CS, coding, robotics, and STEM activities are a strong fit. Programs serving high concentrations of low-income students are prioritized.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Competitive grants through MDE. Applications submitted via the MDE grant portal. Awards are multi-year (typically 3-5 years). Current cycle dates uncertain — monitor mdek12.org for the next RFP announcement.
Cycle Notes
Annual RFP cycle. Current cycle status uncertain. Monitor mdek12.org/OAE/21st-Century-Community-Learning-Centers for the next announcement. Multi-year awards provide sustained funding once awarded.
Grant Award Amount
Multi-year grants — annual award amounts vary by program size and enrollment. Mississippi awards typically support programs serving 50+ students per year.
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.
Does my school need to be Title I?
Title I schools are prioritized but not the only eligible applicants. Check current MDE guidelines.
How long are 21st CCLC awards?
Multi-year — typically 3-5 years. Provides sustained funding for ongoing programs.
When does MDE post the RFP?
Varies — current cycle status uncertain. Monitor mdek12.org for announcements.
How can Forward Education help?
We help design afterschool STEM program outlines aligned to 21st CCLC requirements and Mississippi standards.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Mississippi standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
