Title IV, Part B (21st CCLC)
Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Supports academic enrichment during non-school hours — before school, after school and summer — especially for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools.
How to access it: Individual teachers cannot apply; schools usually participate through a district or partner organization's application.
- Federal agency
- U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
- State / local administration
- States run their own competitive subgrant competitions.
- Intended beneficiaries
- Students (and their families) attending high-poverty, low-performing schools.
- Eligible applicants
- Districts, community-based organizations, nonprofits and other public or private entities, through the state competition.
- Funding mechanism
- State-administered — Federal money passed to state agencies, which run their own subgrant competitions or allocations.
- Automatic or competitive
- Federal formula to states; states award competitive subgrants.
- Application process
- Watch for your state education agency's 21st CCLC request for proposals.
- Current status
- State competitions on state-set timelines
- Funding year
- Federal fiscal year 2026 funds, used mainly in school year 2026–27. Allocation amounts are set each year — confirm yours with your state agency or district.
What this funding could pay for
Potential uses only. Whether a cost is allowable depends on current federal rules, your state's requirements and your district's plan. Confirm with your district or state before spending.
Before-school, after-school and summer learning programmes.
Academic enrichment and tutoring outside school hours.
Literacy and education services for families of participating students.
STEM and arts enrichment in out-of-school time.