21st Century Community Learning Centers
Eligibility
Illinois K-12 schools and educators. State-administered federal grant for before/after-school enrichment. Covers robotics, STEM kits, coding curriculum, and tech education.
Program Goals
State-administered federal grant for before/after-school enrichment. Covers robotics, STEM kits, coding curriculum, and tech education.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Visit the program website for current application guidelines and deadlines. Annual state competitive cycle; check state DOE.
Cycle Notes
Recurring. Check the program website for current cycle information.
Grant Award Amount
$100K–$400K per site per year. Check the program website for current award amounts and eligibility details.
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
- CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Illinois schools apply for 21st Century Community Learning Centers?
Yes. Illinois schools are eligible. State-administered federal grant for before/after-school enrichment. Covers robotics, STEM kits, coding curriculum, and tech education.
How much does 21st Century Community Learning Centers provide?
$100K–$400K per site per year. Check the program website for current amounts.
How do Illinois schools apply?
Visit the program website for current application guidelines. Deadline: Annual state competitive cycle; check state DOE.
What can the funds purchase?
Programs aligned to STEM, Coding, Robotics, Physical Computing. STEM kits, coding tools, and curriculum are typically eligible.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment to Illinois CS and STEM standards, pricing letters, and letters of support for grant applications.
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 — Illinois 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
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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