The 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) School-Age Afterschool Grant competition is now open for the 2026-27 school year (five-year funding cycle). Be sure to check back regularly to the Frequently Asked Questions page as any updates, changes, etc. will be noted there. The application is due to later than 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. Please visit the Grants Page for the application, guidelines, submission instructions, etc.
The School Age Community (SAC) Afterschool Grant competition is now open for the 2026-27 school year (three-year funding cycle). Be sure to check back regularly to the Frequently Asked Questions page as any updates, changes, etc. will be noted there. The application is due to later than 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. Please visit the Grants Page for the application, guidelines, submission instructions, etc.
Waiver Extension Request
External Organization Profile
The Afterschool Programs of the Department accepted self-nominations for eligible organizations to be included as part of a published list of organizations that 21st Century Community Learning Center grantees may reference for potential partnerships or professional development support. As required by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended on December 10, 2015) for this purpose, external organization is defined as:
(A) a nonprofit organization with a record of success in running or working with before and afterschool (or summer recess) programs and activities; or
(B) in the case of a community where there is no such organization, a nonprofit organization in the community that enters into a written agreement or partnership with an organization described in (A) to receive mentoring, and guidance in running or working with before and afterschool (or summer recess) programs and activities.
To be considered, nonprofit entities completed and submitted an application to the Afterschool Programs for review and approval of required documentation and eligibility. This list of organizations is intended to serve as a resource for 21st CCLC programs. Please note: the list is not an exhaustive list nor does it serve as an endorsement or certification of quality from the Afterschool Programs. Programs are not required to select from this list.
Current List of Approved Self-Nominated External Organizations
Please note: School districts should not apply; however, they may share this information with their partners and other external organizations who work with youth during afterschool hours.
21st Century Community Learning Center Evaluations
As required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) the state agency education must conduct a comprehensive evaluation process of the Title IV, Part B Nita M Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program. The evaluation results must be disseminated to the public. The state evaluations are available on the DESE Portal for Afterschool Programs.