21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) – Illinois
Eligibility
Illinois public schools, school districts, nonprofits, and community organizations may apply. Programs must serve students at high-need, high-poverty schools. Priority is given to schools with low academic achievement and rural communities with limited afterschool options.
Program Goals
Illinois's 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education using federal Title IV-B funds, supports afterschool and summer programs for students at high-need schools. Programs provide academic enrichment, STEM activities, arts, and family engagement. Illinois awards multi-year competitive grants through state competitions.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
ISBE releases competitive grant applications through multi-year competition cycles. The most recent FY2026 competition ran in November 2025. The next competition timeline is not yet announced. Applications require a community needs assessment, program plan, evaluation design, and budget. Monitor the ISBE website for new competition announcements.
Cycle Notes
Illinois 21st CCLC grants are awarded through multi-year competitions, typically every 1-3 years depending on funding availability. The most recent competition was in November 2025. Monitor isbe.net for new competition announcements.
Grant Award Amount
Awards can reach up to $400,000 per site per year over a multi-year grant period. Multi-site organizations may receive funding for multiple locations.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for Illinois 21st CCLC afterschool STEM enrichment
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI and coding skills for out-of-school time programs
- Coding for Good Kit — project-based learning for Illinois afterschool centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for 21st CCLC in Illinois?
Public schools, districts, nonprofits, and community organizations serving high-need Illinois students may apply. Programs must provide afterschool or summer enrichment at high-poverty campuses.
How much funding is available through Illinois 21st CCLC?
Awards can reach up to $400,000 per site per year over a multi-year grant period.
Can 21st CCLC funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. 21st CCLC 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 Illinois schools apply for 21st CCLC?
Monitor the ISBE website at isbe.net for new competition announcements. The most recent cycle was November 2025. Applications require a needs assessment, program plan, evaluation design, and budget.
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 Illinois schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes 21st CCLC 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 — 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
Explore more Illinois funding resources
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