State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday announced the beginning of competition for about $3.5 million in 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants for the 2025-26 school year.
The 21st CCLCs offer opportunities outside of regular school hours for student learning and instruction in reading, mathematics, and other core subjects, as well as programs that complement traditional classroom offerings.
Eligible agencies and organizations must provide an average of at least seven hours of programming each week. They are required to collaborate with schools that have a large percentage of students from low-income families.
Five-year grants are available, beginning July 1, for a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $350,000. Annual grant funding depends on the availability of federal money. Applications must be turned in by 12:01 p.m. on June 10. They must be submitted through the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction’s WebGrants site.
The NDDPI will be accepting grant applications from school districts, regional education associations, consortiums, nonprofits, city or county government agencies, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and for-profit corporations. This new grant round is meant only for organizations that do not have a current 21st CCLC grant award, or those whose existing grant award will end June 30.
The NDDPI will host an applicant workshop at 10 a.m. Central time on April 29. The workshop will provide information about the 21st CCLC program, guidance on the application process, and an introduction to the WebGrants site. Registration for the workshop is required and can be completed here.
Applicants are encouraged to focus on efforts to reduce absenteeism for grades 6-12; offer programs to promote job credentials, internships, and workforce development for high school students; and provide instruction about computer science and cybersecurity.
Please direct questions to Arlene Wolf, 21st CCLC program administrator, at 701-328-2295 or by email at dpischoolapproval@nd.gov. Potential applicants may also visit the NDDPI’s 21st CCLC web page.