Program Purpose and Intent
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) supplementary grant program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours before school, after school and during summer break for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.
Constructive learning activities during these non-school hours, combined with adult guidance through school and community-based academic, career exploration and youth development programs, result in greater achievement and social outcomes for children and youth throughout their elementary, middle and high school years.
The intent of the 21CCLC grant is to enable communities to design and implement effective out-of-school programs that will result in improved student achievement and be enhanced by and sustained through community partnerships beyond the term of the grant.
Competitive Application & Award Process
21CCLC funds are not formula-based rather awarded as part of an annual competitive grant process offered for eligible applicants and consortiums. Awards are offered for up to 5 years of funding, with the first three years awarded at 100 percent funding levels and the final two years at a reduced rate of 75 percent (following a successful comprehensive site visit and financial review) to prepare awardees for longer term success and sustainability through increased community partners. Applications are collected, reviewed and scored by a committee of independent reviewers.
Minimum grant awards will be $50,000 per application, per year. Maximum grant awards are $150,000 per site, per year, and $300,000 per application, per year. A financial match is not required, but documentation of at least 5 community partners providing support or resources is required.
Eligible Applicants & Programs
Applicants for 21CCLC grants must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for funds:
• An individual or consortium of two or more schools that are eligible for a Title I Schoolwide Program and a minimum of 40% free and reduced price lunch (FRL).
• An individual or consortium or two or more Local Education Agency (LEAs), community-based organizations (CBOs), cities, counties, and public or private entities (including faith-based organizations) who intend to serve students from a qualifying school/district (noted above).
• Existing 21CCLC grantees that are providing high quality programs and in good standing.
Eligible programs must provide academic assistance, education enrichment and family engagement components for a minimum of 60 hours a month of contact time for all programs (and 30 days minimum for Summer School). This is calculated at a rate of three hours per day multiplied by five days per week when school is open.
Letter of Intent/Survey
Completion of this short survey will serve as the Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for 2026-2027 Title IV, Part B Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) funding. A separate “letter” is not required. Although not required, your responses will assist the Iowa Department of Education in more accurately forecasting interest and need for 21CCLC funding in Iowa. Your responses should be submitted prior to applying and should be submitted by no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025. Applications for 21CCLC funding grants are due by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.