The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE)
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will receive funding from
the United States Department of Education (USDE) to fund Nita M. Lowey 21st
Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC).
21st CCLC grant funds are awarded through a competitive grant
process based on the implementation of research-based academic improvement
practices, through collaborative efforts between schools, community-based
organizations, faith-based organizations and other eligible entities.
Authorized under Title IV, Part B, Section
4201 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the purpose of the 21st
CCLC grant program is to establish or expand community learning centers that
provide students with out-of-school time opportunities to support academic
achievement. The grant allows for programs to provide academic and
enrichment activities designed to complement the students’ regular academic
program. 21st CCLC must also
offer literacy and other related educational opportunities to families of
student participants. Centers may be located in elementary schools, secondary
schools, or other similarly accessible facilities. Eligible entities are local
educational agencies, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations,
other public or private entities, or a consortium of two or more such agencies,
organizations or entities. Targeted local educational agencies (LEA) must meet
40% or higher free/reduced lunch criteria.
The grant application will be open for submission
from October 6, 2021 through December 3, 2021. Technical support virtual
training(s) will be provided by DESE. The dates and times will be
determined and listed on the Arkansas 21st CCLC website.
Training for the online application within Submittable.com is
available below.
Grant application instructional video,
Arkansas 21st CCLC Grant Guidelines and scoring information are attached to
this Commissioner’s Memo. Each applicant must submit an Intent to Apply
in Submittable.com by November 15, 2021, to continue the
application process.
Grant applications must be submitted
within Submittable.com by December 3, 2021 at
11:59 p.m. The link to the
online application is below: https://arkansasdepartmentofeducation.submittable.com/submit.
Arkansas Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Website:
https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/public-school-accountability/federal-programs/nita-m-lowey---21st-century-community-learning-centers
Resources: