After-School and Summer Programs

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program has been funding high quality after-school and summer learning programs since 1998. Poverty, opportunity gaps, and unmet academic need drive the program’s purpose. Vermont's 21st CCLC program supports students' learning and interests through diverse and engaging programming using multiple approaches and curricula. Programs are delivered through schools and community partnerships for grades K-12. Annually, approximately 11,000 youth and 5,500 regular attendees are served in 86 high needs communities across the state. Programs are expected to complement, but not duplicate the school day. Annual competitions are held to support this vision as funds are available.

21st CCLC Grant Competition

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21C) Grant Application with an estimated annual available minimum of $3,000,000 is now open for the purpose of providing comprehensive high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities. Investments are for five years. Virtual applicant trainings for teams will be held on October 11 (Part 1) and November 9, 2023 (Part 2) from 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. E-Letters of Intent are due November 22, 2023. Applications are due February 2, 2024 in the GMS system. The online application will be live in GMS on September 29, 2023. A paper copy of the grant application is below. To get on the applicant mailing list and to register for trainings please complete a Competition Contact Form. You may also view the 21C quick eligibility checker. 

For more information, contact Emanuel Betz, 21C State Coordinator, at Emanuel.Betz@vermont.gov or 802-881-4426.

• Nita M. Lowey 21st Century CCLC Request for Application 2023-24
• Should I Apply for 21st Century Funds? Evaluate if you are ready to apply for 21st CCLC grant funds. 
• 21C Appendix B - Planning Chart
• 21C Appendix D - Self-Assessment Tool for Sustainability
• 21C Appendix E - Sample Sustainability Plan Chart
• 21C Appendix G - Sample Memorandum of Agreement (MOU)
• 21C Appendix J - Budget Template

Previous Grant Competitions

• 2022-2023 21st CCLC Grant Final Competition Results
• 2021-2022 21st CCLC Grant Final Competition Results
• 2019-2020 21st CCLC Grant Final Competition Results
• 2018-2019 21st CCLC Grant Final Competition Results
• 2017-2018 21st CCLC Grant Final Competition Results
• 2015-2016 21st CCLC Grant Final Competition Results

Recent 21st CCLC Guidance

• Summer Learning Program Planning Considerations
• Summer Program Schedule Samples Taken From the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Programs for Elementary and Middle School

General Grantee Information & Requirements

• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Statewide Evaluation Plan
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Site List 2023-2024
• 21st Century Funded Centers By Supervisory Union/School District 2023-2024
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Handbook
• Afterschool Wiki maintains regular updates and detailed information about 21st CCLC funded after-school and summer programs.
• Safety Standards
• Children with Disabilities Guidance for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Funded Programs
• 21C Funded Programs-Integration Examples

Financial Information

• 21C Budgeting Overview provides overview information on managing a 21C afterschool program budget
• 21C Grant Amendment Guidelines provides grant amendment criteria, formatting and submission requirements.
• Financial Do's and Don'ts
• 21C Program Income Approval Memo
• 21C Program Income Memo #2 Information regarding the correct treatment of program income earned as a result of the Federal 21st Century Community Center Grants (21CCLC grant).

Additional Resources

• 21st Century Community Learning Centers - ESSA Language
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Pandemic Evaluation, 2020-2022
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Statewide Evaluation Report 2019-2020
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Statewide Evaluation Report 2018-2019
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Statewide Evaluation Report 2017-2018
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Statewide Evaluation Report 2016-2017
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Statewide Evaluation Report 2015 - 2016
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers Statewide Evaluation Report 2014 - 2015
• Memo: 21st Century External Organization Profile Release and List

Questions?