Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC (Montana)
Eligibility
Montana public schools in high-need areas, especially Title I schools. Programs must serve students during non-school hours — afterschool, weekends, or summer. Rural Montana schools are well positioned given the frontier and rural nature of most MT districts.
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. Montana schools can use these funds to build sustainable out-of-school STEM programs for students who otherwise lack access.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Competitive grants administered by MT OPI. Applications submitted through the OPI grants portal. Awards are multi-year — typically 5 years of sustained funding providing long-term program stability.
Cycle Notes
Annual RFP cycle. MT OPI posts the RFP — check opi.mt.gov for the current timeline. The 21st CCLC program is in a recurring closed/announced cycle nationally.
Grant Award Amount
$50,000 or more per year for up to 5 years. Multi-year funding allows Montana schools to build and sustain programs rather than starting over each year. Award size scales with program scope and student enrollment.
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 in Montana?
Afterschool, weekend, and summer enrichment programs. CS, coding, robotics, and STEM activities are a strong fit for Montana schools.
How long do 21st CCLC grants last?
Up to 5 years. Multi-year awards provide stable, sustained funding for ongoing programs.
Does my Montana school need to be Title I?
Title I schools are prioritized. Check current MT OPI guidelines for eligibility requirements.
When does MT OPI post the RFP?
Annually — monitor opi.mt.gov for announcements. The program operates on a recurring cycle.
How can Forward Education help?
We help design afterschool STEM program outlines that align to 21st CCLC requirements and Montana content standards.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Montana standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
