Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 27 Grant Competition
Forecasted
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 27 Grant funds high-quality, evidence-based academic and enrichment programs for Alabama students outside regular school hours.
Funder: Alabama State Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Intent to Apply Form) | March 2027 (Full Application)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: $50,000–$350,000 per year for up to 4 years; total available funding approx. $11.5M per cycle; cost-per-participant formula applies.
Summary: Supports Alabama organizations in establishing or expanding high-quality out-of-school academic and enrichment programs for students and families, especially in high-need or low-performing schools.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to official announcement.
Description
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, administered by the Alabama State Department of Education, is a federally funded initiative designed to establish or expand community learning centers that provide academic enrichment and a broad array of educational, cultural, and wellness activities for students and their families during out-of-school hours. The program targets students—particularly those attending low-performing or high-need schools—and aims to help them meet challenging state academic standards through services such as tutoring, STEM learning, arts, health and wellness education, service learning, and family engagement. Projects must emphasize evidence-based programming, robust school and community partnerships, and continuous improvement through rigorous evaluation and data-driven practices.
