What This Grant Funds

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program is authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and administered in Virginia by VDOE. It provides multi-year grants for afterschool, before-school, and summer programs that offer academic enrichment to students in low-income schools. Virginia has distributed grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per year, with awards lasting three years, giving funded programs time to build and sustain quality programming. Hands-on STEM enrichment, coding clubs, robotics teams, and environmental science investigations are all strong fits for 21st CCLC programming.

Who Can Apply

A wide range of organizations can apply, including school divisions, nonprofit organizations, local government agencies, faith-based organizations, and colleges and universities. The program gives priority to applicants serving schools that have received Title I support and schools identified as Priority Schools under Virginia's accountability system. Organizations with strong community partnerships and a track record of running structured out-of-school-time programs have an advantage in the competitive scoring process.

How to Apply

VDOE releases a Request for Applications (RFA) when a new 21st CCLC competition cycle opens. Past cycles ran from January through April. Monitor the VDOE Title IV, Part B program page and sign up for VDOE grant notifications to catch the next announcement. Applications typically require a needs assessment, a program plan with measurable goals, a three-year budget, organizational capacity information, and letters of support from community partners. Competition for awards is strong, so early planning and community partnership development matters.

Funding Amount

Awards in past Virginia competitions have ranged from $50,000 to $200,000 per year. Grants are three years in length, so a top award could total up to $600,000 over the grant period. Awards are competitive and scored on proposal quality, community need, organizational capacity, and program design. There is no local match requirement, though community partnerships are weighted in the scoring rubric.

How Forward Education Products Qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for 21st CCLC grants in Virginia?

School divisions, nonprofits, local governments, faith-based organizations, and colleges can all apply. Priority is given to applicants serving Title I schools and Priority Schools. Strong community partnerships strengthen an application.

How much funding is available through 21st CCLC in Virginia?

Past awards ranged from $50,000 to $200,000 per year for a three-year grant period. A maximum award could total $600,000 over three years. Funding is competitive and based on proposal quality and community need.

Can 21st CCLC funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. STEM enrichment activities are one of the most common uses of 21st CCLC funding. Equipment and materials for coding clubs, robotics programs, and environmental science projects are all allowable uses when tied to a clear program plan with student outcome goals.

How do Virginia schools apply for 21st CCLC grants?

Watch the VDOE Title IV, Part B program page for the next competition announcement. Past competitions ran January through April. Applications require a needs assessment, program plan, three-year budget, and letters of support from community partners.

How can Forward Education help with 21st CCLC funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Virginia schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes 21st CCLC funds. Contact us before submitting your application.