21st Century Community Learning Centers

About This Grant

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program is federally funded but administered by New York State through NYSED. It provides multi-year funding for before-school, after-school, and summer learning programs at Title I-eligible schools. STEM, coding, robotics, and AI literacy programs are among the most competitive program types under current federal priorities.

Awards range from $100,000 to $400,000 per site per year, and grants are typically awarded for three to five years. This makes 21st CCLC one of the largest and most sustained funding sources available to New York schools for expanded STEM and CS programs.

Eligibility

• Public schools and districts serving Title I-eligible communities
• Nonprofit organizations operating after-school programs at or near Title I schools
• Programs providing before-school, after-school, or summer learning
• Multi-year program plans (3-5 years) preferred

Allowable Uses

• STEM, coding, and CS instructional materials and hardware
• AI literacy and digital skills curriculum
• Robotics and physical computing equipment
• Staff training and professional development
• Program coordination and staffing

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

• micro:bit Starter Kit — Physical computing for after-school coding clubs and STEM enrichment. Affordable per-student cost makes classroom sets feasible within 21st CCLC budgets.
• Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum for extended learning programs. Structured enough for program staff to deliver without deep CS backgrounds.
• MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy curriculum for middle and high school after-school programs. Meets current federal priorities around technology and digital readiness.
• micro:bit Robotics Kit — Robotics program for after-school and summer learning. High engagement for students and strong alignment to 21st CCLC's academic enrichment goals.
• CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — Environmental STEM for extended learning programs. Connects coding, science, and real-world data in a format that works well in after-school settings.

Keep in Mind

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers 21st CCLC grants in New York?

NYSED administers 21st CCLC funds on behalf of the US Department of Education. Applications go through the NYSED federal programs office.

How much can a site receive?

Between $100,000 and $400,000 per site per year, for up to five years. This is one of the largest K-12 after-school funding sources available.

Can funds be used for coding hardware and curriculum?

Yes. STEM, coding, robotics, and digital literacy materials are explicitly listed as allowable program activities under current 21st CCLC guidance.

Does the school need to be in a high-need community?

Yes. The program targets schools in communities with high concentrations of low-income students (Title I eligible).

How can Forward Education help?

We provide multi-year program plans, curriculum alignment documents, and pricing letters for 21st CCLC applications. Contact us early in the application process.

Related New York Grants

• NYSED CS4All Grants
• NSF CS for All
• NYC DOE STEM Grants

Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?

Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.

• Curriculum alignment documents — NY CS & Digital Fluency Standards mapped to our kits
• Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
• Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
• Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines

Download the Forward Education Grant Guide

Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.