Eligibility

Texas public school districts, community-based organizations, and other public or private entities may apply. Programs must serve students attending high-need schools, typically Title I campuses with low academic performance. Applicants must demonstrate a plan for sustainable afterschool programming and show community partnerships.

Program Goals

The Texas Academic Enrichment (ACE) program is Texas's implementation of the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. It funds afterschool, before-school, and summer programs that provide academic enrichment, STEM activities, arts, and family engagement for students in low-income communities. The Texas Education Agency administers the program and distributes subgrants to local organizations across the state.

Application and Distribution

TEA releases competitive Requests for Applications (RFA) in multi-year cycles. Cycle 13 applications closed in February 2026. Funded programs receive 3-5 year grant awards with annual funding up to $500,000 per site. Applications are scored on community need, program design, quality of evaluation plan, and fiscal management capacity.

Cycle Notes

Texas ACE awards are made in cohort cycles, typically every 3-5 years. The most recent competition (Cycle 13) closed February 2026. The next cycle timeline is not yet published. Monitor the TEA website for new RFA announcements: tea.texas.gov.

Grant Award Amount

Awards fund up to $500,000 per year per program site over a multi-year grant period. Larger organizations can receive funding for multiple sites. Allowable costs include staffing, curriculum, supplies, equipment, and transportation for afterschool and summer programming.

Allowable Purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Texas ACE (21st CCLC) grants?

Public school districts, community-based organizations, nonprofits, and other public or private entities may apply. Programs must serve students at high-need, low-income campuses and provide structured afterschool or summer enrichment.

How much funding is available through Texas ACE?

Annual awards can reach up to $500,000 per site over a 3-5 year grant period. Multi-site organizations can receive funding for multiple locations. Total statewide program funding exceeds $100 million annually through federal Title IV-B funds.

Can Texas ACE funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. Texas ACE 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 Texas schools apply for Texas ACE grants?

Apply during the TEA competitive RFA window. Applications require a community needs assessment, detailed program design, evaluation plan, and budget justification. Monitor the TEA website for cycle announcements and submission timelines.

How can Forward Education help with Texas ACE funding?

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