Eligibility

North Carolina public schools, school districts, nonprofits, and other eligible organizations may apply. Programs must serve students at high-need schools with high poverty concentrations. Priority is given to schools with low academic performance and rural communities with limited afterschool options.

Program Goals

North Carolina's 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, funded through federal Title IV-B and administered by NC DPI, supports afterschool and summer learning programs for students at high-need schools. Programs provide academic enrichment, STEM activities, arts, health, and family engagement services. Awards are 3-year competitive grants, with priority for programs that demonstrate strong community partnerships and evidence-based programming.

Application and Distribution

NC DPI releases competitive RFPs by cohort, with 3-year grant awards. The most recent cohort has closed. Applications require a community needs assessment, detailed program design, evaluation plan, partner agreements, and a budget. Monitor NC DPI's afterschool page for new cohort announcements.

Cycle Notes

NC 21st CCLC grants are awarded in cohort cycles, typically every 3 years. The timing of the next RFP will depend on the expiration of current cohort grants and federal funding allocation. Monitor NC DPI at dpi.nc.gov/afterschool for new cohort announcements.

Grant Award Amount

NC 21st CCLC awards can reach up to $400,000 per site per year over a 3-year grant period. Organizations operating multiple sites may receive funding for each location. Total statewide funding is distributed from the federal Title IV-B allocation for North Carolina.

Allowable Purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for 21st CCLC in North Carolina?

Public schools, school districts, nonprofits, and community organizations may apply. Programs must serve students at high-need, high-poverty schools and provide afterschool or summer enrichment.

How much funding is available through NC 21st CCLC?

Awards can reach up to $400,000 per site per year over a 3-year period. Multi-site programs may receive funding for each location.

Can 21st CCLC funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. 21st CCLC funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.

How do North Carolina schools apply for 21st CCLC?

Monitor NC DPI's afterschool page at dpi.nc.gov for new cohort RFP announcements. Applications require a needs assessment, program plan, evaluation design, and budget.

How can Forward Education help with 21st CCLC funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for North Carolina schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes 21st CCLC funds. Contact us before submitting your application.