Maryland Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Program

Maryland Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Program is sponsored by Maryland State Department of Education. This program supports local education agencies and community organizations in Maryland to provide after-school academic enrichment programs.

It focuses on assisting students from low-performing schools and offers additional services such as youth development and family literacy opportunities. Digital media literacy could be integrated into the academic enrichment and youth development aspects.

21st Century Community Learning Centers Division of Student Support and Federal Programs 21st Century Community Learning Centers Maryland Association of Student Councils Public School Opportunities Enhancement Grant American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Afterschool Grant Program (ARP ESSER) 21st Century Community Learning Centers Title IV, Part B, Nita M.

Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Grant Program The purpose of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) is to create community learning centers that provide students with academic enrichment opportunities as well as additional services designed to complement their regular academic program.

Community learning centers must offer families of participating students literacy instruction and related educational development programs. Proposed activities target students and families of students who attend schools eligible for Title I schoolwide programs or schools that serve a high percentage of students from low-income families. Grantees are expected to attend bi-monthly networking meetings.

These meetings offer technical assistance from the Maryland State Department of Education personnel, peer-to-peer technical assistance, and other outside resources selected by the coordinator based on the expressed needs of the grantees. These meetings are either all-day or half-day meetings. Grantees consist of schools, local education agencies, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations.

School System and School Role/Responsibilities for Participation Any public or private organization is now eligible to apply for a 21st CCLC grant. Examples of agencies and organizations eligible under the 21st CCLC program include, but are not limited to: non-profit agencies, city or county government agencies, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and for-profit corporations.

The statute encourages eligible organizations applying for funds to collaborate with the schools the children attend. The statute also allows a consortium of two or more agencies, organizations or entities to apply.

This competition is open to: Interagency, interdepartmental, community and faith-based, or other private or public organizations A consortium of two or more of the aforementioned The participants must provide services to students and families of students who primarily attend schools eligible for Title I school-wide programs or schools that serve a high percentage of students from low-income families.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is submitting a request to the United States Department of Education for a Tydings waiver for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 for the Title IV Part B, Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs. If the waiver is approved, FFY 2022 funding for the program will be extended through September 30, 2025.

Prior to submitting a waiver request for any program authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Schools Act, the State must provide the public and local education agencies with notice and a reasonable opportunity to comment and provide input on a proposed waiver request. Copies of all public comments received will be included as part of the waiver request submission.

Director, Youth Development Branch Fiscal Year 2027 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Information Guide and Application The deadline for application submission is Monday, July 6, 2026. Customer Service Support Sessions have been scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 12:00 p. m.

and Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 1:00 p. m. 21st CCLC Continuation Guide and Application The deadline for application submission is Friday, August 29, 2026.

Customer Service Support Sessions are scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 1:00 p. m. and Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.

m.

Eligible Schools for the 21st CCLC Programs 2025 State Evaluation Report Solicitation for 21st Century Community Learning Center External Organization C-1-25 Grant Forms Sample Guidance For Local Evaluations Assessment Of Local Evaluations Checklist Local Evaluation Assessment USED Non-Regulatory Guidance Renewability of Funds Statement Carryover of Funds Statement Fiscal Year 2024 21st CCLC Programs For the Future Grantee List Fiscal Year 2025 21st CCLC Programs for the Future Grantee List 21st CCLC Grant Writing Strategies & Tips