21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Grant Program

The purpose of the federally funded 21^st CCLC grant is to support the implementation of additional learning time through out-of-school time (OST) programming and/or through an expanded day referred to as Expanded Learning Time or ELT. Programming is designed to help close proficiency/opportunity gaps, increase student engagement, support social and emotional learning, and promote college and career readiness and success.

*Additional learning time, for the purposes of Massachusetts 21^st CCLC grants, is generally defined as follows:

• Out-of-School-Time (OST) — structured programming held outside of the regular school day, week and/or year for a targeted group of students.
• Expanded Learning Time (ELT) — adding time to the required school day, week and/or year for all students enrolled (the ability to support ELT programming through 21^st CCLC funding was added a result of ESEA approved flexibility and the newly authorized ESSA).

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis for up to three years. Grantees meeting all requirements may apply yearly for continuation funds until the three grant cycle is completed. Carryover of funds is not allowed (an entity must return all funds that are unexpended at the end of each program year, and cannot request any portion of those unexpended funds in the following year).

Grantees in their final year of funding are eligible to apply, though a competitive process, for an Exemplary Programs grant, generally at 85% of their current grant award. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to continue to operate at the same or increased programming levels.

The goal of the Exemplary Programs grant is to expand and enhance a statewide network of high quality 21^st CCLC programs that serve as resources and mentors.

More information and details may be found on the Funding Opportunities page.

For details on other extended learning opportunities, see the Student and Family Support (SFS) home page that includes information about state funded After-School and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) Quality Enhancement Grants (Fund Code 530) and links to other types of extended learning opportunities as well.

Last Updated: July 6, 2020