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 must meet 40% or
higher free/reduced lunch criteria.
The grant application will
be open for submission from March 3, 2021 through May 1, 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
April 15, 2021, to continue the application process.
Grant applications must be submitted within Submittable.com
by May 1st
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
· Grant
Scoring Rubric