21st Century Community Learning Centers (SD)
Eligibility
South Dakota public schools in high-need areas. Programs must serve students during non-school hours. Title I school preference. Rural SD schools are well positioned.
Program Goals
21st CCLC funds afterschool and summer enrichment programs that extend and complement school-day learning. CS, coding, robotics, and STEM activities are a strong fit for these multi-year afterschool grants.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Competitive grants administered by SD DOE. Applications submitted through the SD DOE grants portal. Awards are multi-year — typically 3-5 years of sustained afterschool program funding.
Cycle Notes
Annual RFP cycle. SD DOE posted the most recent RFP with a March 12, 2026 deadline — now closed. Monitor doe.sd.gov for the next cycle, typically released in winter/early spring.
Grant Award Amount
Multi-year grants. Annual awards vary by program size and student enrollment. South Dakota grants typically range from $50,000 to $150,000 per year depending on program scope and student reach.
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 hands-on STEM activities are strong fits for this grant.
How long are 21st CCLC grants?
Multi-year awards — typically 3-5 years. This provides sustained, predictable funding for ongoing afterschool programs.
Does my school need to be Title I?
Title I schools are prioritized. Check current SD DOE guidelines for full eligibility requirements.
When does SD DOE release the next RFP?
Typically winter to early spring. Monitor doe.sd.gov for announcements.
How can Forward Education help?
We help design afterschool STEM program outlines that meet 21st CCLC requirements and can align to South Dakota academic standards.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — South Dakota standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
