The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is pleased to announce that the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant application for the 2026-27 school year is now open in the Electronic Grants Management System (eGMS).
The purpose of the 21st CCLC grant is to fund community learning centers that provide students with academic, enrichment, recreational, and social-emotional support opportunities outside of regular school hours and to consistently serve the same students over a prolonged period. Programs may operate in elementary or secondary schools or other similarly accessible facilities and should provide high-quality services that support student learning and development. Programs should also support families by offering educational development opportunities and providing safe environments for students when school is not in session.
Eligible lead applicants include local educational agencies, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, other public or private organizations, consortia of two or more agencies (including local and regional boards of education), Regional Educational Service Centers applying on behalf of LEAs, charter schools, and magnet schools.
Programs must be designed to serve students attending schools with a high concentration of low-income students, where at least 40 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
All lead applicants are required to have:
• A letter of commitment from the Superintendent and each site principal; and
• A completed Mandatory Superintendent, CBO, and Principal Signature Document.
Programs proposing to serve school-age students through this funding opportunity must also comply with child day care licensing requirements as defined under Section 19a-77 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Applicants must use the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Electronic Grants Management System (eGMS) to electronically complete and submit the application. The online application must be in “LEA Superintendent Approved” status by 4:00 p.m. on July 8, 2026. No extensions will be granted.
CSDE will also host a virtual bidders’ webinar to review the major components and criteria of the RFP. While attendance is not mandatory, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to participate.
21st CCLC Virtual Bidder’s Webinar
Date: June 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Microsoft Teams Bidder’s Conference Link
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/227723306408975?p=c66uKIHcwaJJ7cCrJR
Meeting ID: 227 723 306 408 975
Passcode: WX2Lw9Mb