North Carolina 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Eligibility
- K–12 public schools and school districts
- Nonprofit organizations focused on education
- State educational agencies (SEAs) and local education agencies (LEAs)
- After-school program providers and community learning centers
Program Goals
State-administered 21st CCLC grants in North Carolina. Funds after-school coding, robotics, STEM enrichment at high-need schools.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Annual competitive cycle; check state DOE
Grant Award Amount
$100K–$400K per site per year
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — Programmable microcontroller kits that introduce hands-on coding and electronics projects. Qualifies as CS/coding hardware for K-12 classrooms and supports physical computing education goals.
- Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum connecting computer science to real-world community problems. Qualifies for CS education and digital literacy funding; builds computational thinking through authentic challenges.
- micro:bit Robotics Kit — Hands-on robotics curriculum covering programming, engineering design, and computational thinking. Qualifies for STEM and computer science funding focused on applied technology and problem-solving.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor — Hands-on micro:bit-based climate and environmental sensor kit for real-world data collection. Supports place-based STEM learning and qualifies for environmental science and physical computing programs.
Keep in Mind
Deadlines for this grant vary by cycle. Subscribe to notifications from the funder and prepare your project proposal now so you can move quickly when the window opens.
North Carolina's HB-8 requires a CS course for graduation starting with the Class of 2029. Framing your program as part of district HB-8 implementation shows funders you're aligned with state policy — a strong signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for North Carolina 21st Century Community Learning Centers in North Carolina?
K–12 public schools and school districts Nonprofit organizations focused on education State educational agencies (SEAs) and local education agencies (LEAs) After-school program providers and community learning centers
How much funding is available through North Carolina 21st Century Community Learning Centers?
$100K–$400K per site per year. Check the current program guidelines for the latest award ranges and allocation details.
Can North Carolina 21st Century Community Learning Centers funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. North Carolina 21st Century Community Learning Centers 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 schools apply for North Carolina 21st Century Community Learning Centers?
Annual competitive cycle; check state DOE
How can Forward Education help with North Carolina 21st Century Community Learning Centers 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 North Carolina 21st Century Community Learning Centers funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
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 — TEKS, Common Core, and state 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
Explore more North Carolina funding resources
View all North Carolina AI & CS grants →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.
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