TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13)
Eligibility
- Texas public schools, districts, and community-based organizations partnering with schools
- Must serve students in low-performing schools or high-need communities
- Programs must operate outside of regular school hours (before school, after school, or summer)
- Must demonstrate community partnerships and family engagement components
- Applications evaluated on need, quality of program design, and evaluation plan
Program Goals
21st CCLC is one of the largest and most flexible funding streams for extended learning programs in Texas. TEA administers these federal dollars as competitive grants, and schools that win funding can run multi-year before- and after-school STEM programs at significant scale. For districts looking to build coding, robotics, and AI literacy into enrichment time — outside the constraints of the regular school day — 21st CCLC is the primary vehicle. Cycle 13 opens a new cohort of multi-year awards.
Application and Distribution
Applications for 21st CCLC Cycle 13 are submitted through the TEA Grant Opportunities portal. This is a competitive federal pass-through grant with detailed application requirements including a needs assessment, program design narrative, evaluation plan, and budget justification. Start early — these applications are substantial. Contact TEA's Extended Learning team for pre-application guidance.
Visit the TEA Grant Portal →Related Resources
Texas AI & CS Funding Hub → Texas State Profile: HB 900, TEA Grants & K-12 Resources →Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
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Robotics and Coding Kits
Self-guided challenge sequences work in after-school settings with paraprofessional or volunteer facilitators -
Climate Action Kit
Project-based STEM activity that connects to real-world topics — ideal for enrichment programs that want meaningful, not just recreational, learning -
Physical Computing Starter Kits
Low-floor, high-ceiling — works for beginners and keeps advanced students engaged -
Flexible Curriculum
Modular lesson plans fit a 45-90 minute enrichment block format
Keep in Mind
Competitive grants have specific eligibility requirements and scoring rubrics. Match your language directly to the funder's stated priorities and outcomes.
Grant budgets need line-item detail. Contact Forward Education for an official quote and pricing letter before submitting your application.
Grant reviewers want to see how your program connects to curriculum standards. Forward Education can provide alignment documents for your state's standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13) in Texas?
Texas public schools, districts, and community-based organizations partnering with schools Must serve students in low-performing schools or high-need communities Programs must operate outside of regular school hours (before school, after school, or summer) Must demonstrate community partnerships and family engagement components Applications evaluated on need, quality of program design, and evaluation plan
How much funding is available through TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13)?
$100,000–$400,000 per year per site (multi-year awards available). Check the current program guidelines for the latest award ranges and allocation details.
Can TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13) funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13) 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 TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13)?
Applications for 21st CCLC Cycle 13 are submitted through the TEA Grant Opportunities portal. This is a competitive federal pass-through grant with detailed application requirements including a needs assessment, program design narrative, evaluation plan, and budget justification. Start early — these applications are substantial. Contact TEA's Extended Learning team for pre-application guidance. Visit the TEA Grant Portal → Related Resources Texas AI & CS Funding Hub → Texas State Profile: HB 900
How can Forward Education help with TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13) 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 TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13) 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 Texas funding resources
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