21st Century Community Learning Centers

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) logo

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 expressed needs of the grantees. These meetings are either all-day or half-day meetings.


Targeted Participants

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:

  • Local education agencies

  • 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.

Title IV Part B Posting


Contact:

Reginald Burke, M.S.
Director, Youth Development Branch
Office: (410) 767-0313
Fax: (410) 333-0880
reginald.burke@maryland.gov