Alabama 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Eligibility
Alabama public schools in high-need areas. Programs must serve students during non-school hours. Title I school preference. Rural and high-poverty schools are well positioned to be competitive.
Program Goals
21st CCLC funds afterschool and summer enrichment programs that complement regular school learning. CS, coding, robotics, and STEM activities during afterschool hours are a strong fit for these multi-year grants.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Competitive grants administered by AL ALSDE. Applications submitted through the ALSDE grants portal when the RFP is released. Awards are multi-year — typically 3-5 years of sustained funding.
Cycle Notes
Annual RFP cycle. ALSDE posts the RFP in spring. Monitor alsde.edu for the current timeline and upcoming RFP.
Grant Award Amount
Multi-year grants. Annual awards vary by program size and student enrollment. AL grants typically range from $50,000 to $200,000 per year depending on program scope.
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
- Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of programs does 21st CCLC fund?
Afterschool, weekend, and summer enrichment programs. CS, coding, and STEM activities are strong fits.
How long are 21st CCLC grants?
Multi-year awards — typically 3-5 years of sustained funding.
Does my school need to be Title I?
Title I schools are prioritized. Check current AL ALSDE guidelines for eligibility requirements.
When does ALSDE post the RFP?
Typically spring. Monitor alsde.edu for announcements.
How can Forward Education help?
We help design afterschool STEM program outlines that align to 21st CCLC requirements and Alabama STEM standards.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Alabama standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
