FY2027: Massachusetts 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program (21stCCLC) – Continuation and Enhancement Grant
This grant funds out-of-school time programs that enrich academics, foster engagement, and support career readiness for students, with enhancements like internships and summer learning opportunities.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates: June 18, 2026 (Full proposal) | September 25, 2026 (Grantee deliverables)
Funding Amounts: Approx. $16,000,000 total; individual continuation awards vary by site and proposal.
Summary: Supports academically enriching out-of-school time programs for students, emphasizing deeper learning, engagement, and career readiness, with options for enhancements like internships and summer learning.
Key Information: Only current 21stCCLC grantees with eligible sites may apply; submission via GEM$ system required.
Description
This grant, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), provides continuation and enhancement funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21stCCLC) program. The goal is to sustain and deepen out-of-school time (OST) programming—both during the school year and summer—that fosters academic enrichment, real-world learning, student engagement, and career pathway development. Enhancement opportunities include high school internships, family engagement initiatives, playful learning, project-based learning, and expanded summer programming to support student wellness in welcoming, affirming environments.
The grant aligns with DESE’s educational vision, focusing on the whole student, equitable access, and culturally relevant engagement, with a priority for historically underserved students and communities.
