FY 2027 Nita M. Lowey Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers NOFO
Forecasted
Illinois State Board of Education’s FY 2027 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant funds academic and enrichment programs for students in high-need Illinois schools outside regular hours.
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027: CPS partner submission deadline | August 2027: Full application submission deadline (proposals due by 4:00 PM) | August 2027: Last day to submit questions/NOFO changes
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$600,000 per year per grant (up to $150,000 per site); up to 3 years; total program funding ~ $25M/year.
Summary: Supports high-quality community learning centers providing academic enrichment and safe out-of-school-time programs for Illinois students.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to change.
Description
This state-administered grant program supports the creation or expansion of community learning centers that deliver academic enrichment, youth development, and family engagement activities outside regular school hours. The initiative targets students attending high-poverty, low-performing schools across Illinois, aiming to improve academic achievement, school attendance, graduation rates, and social-emotional skills through before-school, after-school, and summer programming. Programs may also provide family literacy and engagement services.
