GRANT INFORMATION
The Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (ADE-DESE) has released a Request for Application (RFP) for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) competitive grant cohort.
The 2025 Cohort will be provided a 4-year grant to support the creation or expansion of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. These programs help students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, such as reading, literacy, math, and science; offer students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offer literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
Approved applications will be awarded $200,000 for the first year. Additional information on award amounts, program expectations, and reporting requirements can be found in the Grant Guidance. Programs remaining in good standing will be provided funding for a total of 4-years (Summer 2025-Spring 2029).
REQUIREMENTS
Interested applicants must complete the Intent-to-Apply form. Applicants are required to submit their Intent-to-Apply between November 15, 2024, and December 20, 2024. (Note: A Gmail account is required in order to submit the Intent-to-Apply and the application.) ADE-DESE will communicate acceptance or denial of the Intent to Apply.
If the Intent-to-Apply is approved, ADE-DESE will provide a link to submit the application. Applicants will create a copy of the application to fill out. Once the application is completed, a PDF version of the application and other required documents must be submitted using the unique LINK provided in the approval email.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Grant Applications must be submitted via the online platform to be considered for eligibility by January 31, 2025. All sections of the grant must be completed and achieve an overall grant rating of “Meets Standard” to be considered for funding.
Applicants should reference the Grant Guidance and other resources listed below while filling out their application. For additional technical assistance, the ADE-DESE 21st CCLC Program Office will provide virtual TA meeting(s) to allow potential applicants the opportunity to fully understand the guidance and expectations of 21st CCLC programs in Arkansas. The virtual meeting date(s) are listed below.
November 20, 2024 - Zoom Link
December 4, 2024 - Zoom Link
December 18, 2024 - Zoom Link
Application Timeline
November 15, 2024 - Intent to Apply and Application Released
January 31, 2025 - 21st CCLC Applications are Due by 11:59 PM CST
February 5, 2025 - Applications Dispersed to Reviewers
February 28, 2025 - Application Scores and Comments Due
March 14, 2025 - Awarded Grantees Notified
Resources for Application Completion:
All applications that achieve an overall rating of “Meets Standard” (click here for the rubric) will move to the priority round for review. Priority points will be given for the following areas. This information is provided within the application.
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Priority Points (added by ADE-DESE)
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Possible Points
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This application is for a program that has never received 21st CCLC funding
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10 points
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This application is for a program located in a county with no 21st CCLC programs. (MAP)
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5 Points
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This application is for a program that has no other 21st CCLC program within a 30-mile radius (MAP)
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5 points
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This application is for a program for a School-Wide Title-1 School
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5 points
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This application describes how evidence-based practices will be used to increase student attendance and intellectual engagement.
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5 Points
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This application provides programming for summer (minimum of 64 hours)
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5 Points
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Possible Priority Points Available
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35 points
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This application is for a previously awarded site that did not meet monthly and yearly required fiscal, programmatic, and program data requirements on time and in an accurate manner.
(Negative points will be applied to the applicant that meets this criteria)
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- 15 Points
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All applicants must provide documentation of a Public Notice given to the community regarding the targeted site this grant will serve. All awarded applicants are required to have a representative attend the New 21st CCLC Programs 2-Day Conference (April 2025) and the Summer 21st CCLC 2-Day Institute (June 2025) hosted by the 21st CCLC Team. Programming must begin by October 1, 2025. Programs may start allocating funds as early as May 1, 2025.
Attachments:
Intent-to-Apply Form
Grant Guidance
Application Submission Link
Application Rubric