TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13)
Eligibility
Public school districts, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities that partner with high-need schools can apply. The program prioritizes schools meeting Title I eligibility criteria. Applications are competitive and reviewed by TEA based on program quality, need, and sustainability plans.
- Eligible: Public school districts and nonprofit organizations partnering with high-need schools
- Priority: Title I-eligible schools with demonstrated need for after-school programming
- Multi-year grants (typically 3-5 years) are available
- Applications submitted during Cycle 13 RFA window on tea.texas.gov
Program Goals
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program provides funding for before-school, after-school, and summer enrichment programs at schools in high-need communities. In Texas, TEA administers this program using federal Title IV funds. Cycle 13 covers the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.
Programs must provide academic enrichment activities that help students meet state academic standards. STEM enrichment, coding, and physical computing projects are explicitly mentioned as eligible programming in TEA's guidelines.
Application and Distribution
Check tea.texas.gov for the Cycle 13 application window and RFA documents. The RFA outlines specific requirements, scoring criteria, and submission procedures. Applications are competitive - review prior funded applications if available to understand what TEA expects.
Grant Award Amount
Awards typically range from $100,000 to $400,000 per site per year, with multi-year grants available. Eligible uses are broad and include staffing, instructional materials, technology, and programming. Robotics kits, STEM kits, and coding curriculum are explicitly mentioned as eligible in TEA guidelines.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Classroom Kits — Classroom sets of programmable microcontrollers for hands-on coding and physical computing. Qualifies as K-12 CS hardware; supports standards-aligned programming instruction across grade levels.
- MicroChat — AI-powered classroom learning tool that introduces students to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. Qualifies for AI literacy, educational technology, and computer science grant programs.
- Coding for Climate Kit — Hands-on curriculum kit teaching climate science, environmental data collection, and coding-based problem-solving. Aligns with STEM and environmental literacy grants; cross-curricular science and CS integration.
Keep in Mind
21st CCLC programs operate outside regular school hours. Your proposal must show how your programming is specifically designed for the after-school or summer context - engaging, enriching, and different from what students do during the school day.
TEA evaluates programs on whether students actually show up and stay in the program. Show how your STEM activities will generate consistent student attendance. Hands-on, project-based activities have strong attendance track records.
Programs must show connection to academic standards and student achievement. Link your physical computing activities to specific Texas TEKS standards and include a plan to track student academic progress.
TEA wants to know what happens to the program after grant funding ends. Include a clear plan for how you will sustain the program using school budget, other grants, or community partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13) in Texas?
Public school districts, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities that partner with high-need schools can apply. The program prioritizes schools meeting Title I eligibility criteria. Applications are competitive and reviewed by TEA based on program quality, need, and sustainability plans. Eligible: Public school districts and nonprofit organizations partnering with high-need schools Priority: Title I-eligible schools with demonstrated need for after-school programming Multi-year gran
How much funding is available through TEA: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Cycle 13)?
$100,000 - $400,000 per site per year. 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)?
Check tea.texas.gov for the Cycle 13 application window and RFA documents. The RFA outlines specific requirements, scoring criteria, and submission procedures. Applications are competitive - review prior funded applications if available to understand what TEA expects.
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
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