New Application Information
The Arizona Department of Education’s Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) office is accountable to the United States Department of Education under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Title IV, Part B.
The 21st CCLC Competitive Grant Application for Fiscal Year 2027 opens January 21, 2026 and closes March 4, 2026
For any inquiries or questions regarding the Grant Application, please email: [email protected]. Answers will be published on the Cycle 22 FY 27 FAQs page so that all applicants have access to the same information.
These documents are for reference only. The application will be submitted in the Grant Management Enterprise (GME) system.
Cycle 22 FY27 Application Guidance
21st CCLC Guidance Handbook Fiscal Year 2026 Edition
21st CCLC Measures of Effectiveness
21st CCLC Budget Narrative & Template
The purpose of the Bidder’s Conference is to clarify any questions regarding the grant application, provide equal understanding, and communicate the same information to the public about this funding opportunity.
Bidder’s Conference 2027 recording
Passcode: WtCHk?7B
Bidder's Conference 2027 Slide Deck
A funded Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) assists students in meeting Arizona’s challenging academic standards, provides students with academic enrichment activities, and offers a broad array of other activities during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session that—
- Reinforce and complement the regular academic programs of the schools attended by participating students; and
- Are targeted to students’ academic needs and align with the instruction students receive during the school day.
Community learning centers also offer families of participating students opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development. §4201(a)(1)(2)(3)
Applicants are encouraged to visit the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV, Part B) website to learn more about the funding source.
Eligible Entity
The term “eligible entity” means a local education agency (LEA), community-based organization, Indian tribe, or tribal organization (as such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act {25 U.S.C. 450b}), another public or private entity, or consortium of 2 or more such agencies, organizations, or entities.
Each 21st CCLC Grant Application may serve only the students of one qualifying school (Site), and each 21st CCLC Program award under that Application is Site-specific.
If an “eligible entity” is the LEA, then the entity must apply on behalf of specific site(s) within that LEA.
If an “eligible entity” is not the school site’s LEA, then the entity must apply on behalf of a specific site(s) within an LEA as an Other Eligible Entity.
Absolute Priority
To be eligible to apply for this grant, entities serve students who attend a site that is eligible for designation as a Title I program. To be eligible for this designation, at least 40 percent of the students must qualify using income eligibility through AzEDS Oct1 data or through the National School Lunch Program. ADE will verify absolute priority at the site level, reserving the right to use the higher percentage.
