21st Century Community Learning Centers (Washington)
Eligibility
Washington public schools, districts, nonprofits, and community organizations serving students at high-need schools. Programs must provide afterschool or summer enrichment.
Program Goals
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds afterschool and summer learning programs at high-need schools across Washington. Programs must provide academic enrichment, including STEM activities, and serve students from low-income families. OSPI administers this federal pass-through grant statewide.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Washington OSPI runs a competitive grant cycle for 21st CCLC funds. Applications require a detailed program plan, evidence of need, community partnerships, and evaluation strategy. Awards are renewable annually for up to 5 years. Monitor OSPI's grants management page for the next competition opening.
Cycle Notes
Multi-year competitive grants. The most recent cycle closed July 25, 2025. Monitor OSPI's grants management page for the next competition. Once awarded, grants renew annually for up to 5 years with performance reporting.
Grant Award Amount
Awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 per year. Multi-year awards renew annually based on program performance. Programs serving higher-need schools may qualify for larger awards.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit - Perfect for afterschool STEM clubs. Students tackle real-world coding and robotics challenges in a structured but engaging format.
- Climate Action Kit - Hands-on environmental science kit ideal for afterschool and summer STEM programs. Covers climate, sensors, and data collection.
- Forward Education Learning Platform - Provides full lesson plans and curriculum for afterschool program staff, including PD resources for non-specialist educators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 21st CCLC?
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is a federal grant that funds afterschool and summer enrichment programs at high-need K-12 schools. Washington OSPI administers the funds.
Who can apply for 21st CCLC in Washington?
Public schools, districts, nonprofits, and community organizations serving students at high-need schools can apply. Programs must operate outside the regular school day.
How long do 21st CCLC grants last?
Awards are renewable annually for up to 5 years, subject to performance review. This provides long-term funding stability for strong afterschool programs.
Can 21st CCLC funds pay for STEM kits?
Yes. The program explicitly supports academic enrichment including STEM activities. Coding and science kits used in afterschool programming are allowable purchases.
When is the next application cycle?
The 2025 cycle closed in July. Monitor OSPI's 21st CCLC page for the next competition. Cycles typically open 12-18 months after the prior award round.
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 - Washington 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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