The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce the availability of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant funds to be awarded to school divisions and eligible organizations to support the implementation of community learning centers that will assist student learning and development.
Applications for 21st CCLC competitive grant funds must be received by 4 PM on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026. The application and Guidelines, Instructions and Assurances documents are available at Title IV, Part B, Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Community Learning Centers | Virginia Department of Education.
Eligible applicants include:
- School divisions
- Nonprofit organizations
- City or county government agencies
- Faith-based organizations
- Institutions of higher education
- For-profit corporations
*** It is important to note that the application must be downloaded to use.
Technical Assistance Workshops are scheduled as outlined below:
School divisions and eligible organizations interested in attending one of the workshops should submit a registration form (below) no later than Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Contact Information
For questions, please contact Title IV Coordinator, marsha.granderson@doe.virginia.gov
The completed application and attachments must be emailed to 21stCCLC@doe.virginia.gov by 4 PM on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026.
Resources
The grant application process can be intimidating. That’s why VPOST, in partnership with the VDOE, wants to help to ensure every person applying feels confident in their application submission. Luckily, there are numerous resources available to applicants. We’ve gone ahead and listed a few for you!
2026-2027 21st CCLC RFP Additional Information Document
VDOE Administrative Handbook: This Handbook outlines many of the do’s and don’ts for your program design and application submission. If you are not sure if a budget item is allowable, check here. Items highlighted in green are updates from prior 21st CCLC grant processes.
VDOE 21st Century Schools Resource Page: On this page you will find the history of 21st Century Learning Centers, instructions for the application process, past grantee information and other helpful resources to navigate the grant process.
The 21st CCLC National Technical Assistance Center provides best practices, evidence-based resources, and learning opportunities to build the capacity of 21st CCLC professionals and stakeholders to support underserved youth and their families.
We also recommend the following resources as you work on your program design and case for support:
VPOST Quality Standards recognize the components that make up ideal out-of-school time programs. They provide common language and a shared understanding of what quality programs look like in action.
VPOST Quality Check Tool is a companion to the Quality Standards. It offers OST professionals a clear, step-by-step process to reflect on how their program lives out the Standards, celebrates successes, and uses a team-focused approach to achieve even higher quality.
FAQs
Q: Does the school division have to be a co-applicant?
A: Yes. The school division MUST be a co-applicant.
Q: What if there is already a 21st CCLC grant at the school I would like to serve? Can I still apply?
A: Unfortunately, no, There is only one 21st CCLC grant permitted at each school.
Q: My organization already has a 21st CCLC grant. Can we apply for another one?
A: Yes, but it must be to serve a different school.
Q: How long is this grant for?
A: Virginia’s 21st CCLC grant is a five-year grant. The term of the grant period is anticipated to be from March 2027 through May 2031. However, the funds to be awarded as part of this application are intended for use during the summer 2027 and 2027-2028 school year. Applicants awarded funds will be required to complete and submit an annual continuation application prior to being awarded continuation funds in years two, three, four, and five.
Q: What is the cap on administrative expenses?
A: 25%
Q: How much can I apply for?
A: The grant request can be for no less than $50,000 and no more than $250,000 for elementary schools and $200,000 for secondary schools.
Q: What do these acronyms mean?
A: CBO = Community Based Organization
LEA = Local Education Agency (aka, local school division)
AWA = Average Weekly Attendance
