2022 GRANT APPLICATION

The Nita M. Lowery 21st Century Community Learning Center Program – West Virginia 21st Century Community Learning Centers

The West Virginia Department of Education released the 2023 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Request for Proposal in February 2023 for those organizations interested in applying for Grant funding for 2023. It is recommended that any interested organization attend a bidder’s conference or view the recording.

This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly those who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs. Additionally, a family engagement program goal supports participating families and offers literacy and other educational services to the families.

The West Virginia Department of Education makes competitive local grants (based on available federal funding) to eligible organizations to support the implementation of community learning centers that will assist student learning and development.

Eligible applicants are:

  • public and private agencies,
  • city and county governmental agencies,
  • faith-based organizations,
  • institutions of higher education, and
  • for-profit corporations
Download the 2023 21st Century Community Learning Center Request for Proposals

The 21st Century Community Learning Center Program and Grant FAQS:

The West Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce its statewide competition for grants to establish and/or expand 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) that will assist learning and development for school-age children and their families during out-of-school time.

Public and private organizations may apply for funding. Examples of public and private organizations include, but are not limited to: local education agencies, non-profit agencies, city and county government agencies, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education and for-profit agencies.

Application information will be made available on the 21stCCLC website in early spring of each year. Information will also be emailed to public school superintendents and other interested persons.

Each local 21st CCLC grant application must describe information such as:

  • the before- and after-school and-summer-school (optional) activities to be funded;
  • how the activities will improve student achievement;
  • how students will travel safely to and from the learning center;
  • the partnership(s) between a local educational agency and a community-based organization and another public or private organization (as appropriate);
  • an evaluation of the community needs and available resources for the learning center; and other provisions requested in the application package.

Viewing the annual Bidders’ Conference is strongly recommended but not required.

By federal statute, a 21st CCLC grant may not be less than $50,000 and no matching funds are required. Grants previously were between $50,000 and $250,000. Contingent upon funding from the USDOE. providing evidence of annual effectiveness, and meeting the average daily attendance, WV has the discretion to award grants to local organizations for a period of 5 years. Funding will decrease based on average daily attendance and to 80% of original funding in year 4 and 70% in year 5.

Students and families who live in high-poverty communities and attend low-performing schools.

WVDE will conduct a competitive review process in the spring of each year with funding contingent on the USDOE expected to begin the following July.

2023 applications are due by 4:00 pm eastern standard time on Friday, May 26, 2023. Applications will not be accepted after that time.

To access the Grants and Planning System to create and submit your application, the Intent To Apply Form must be received by the 21stCCLC Coordinator via email by May 3, 2023. Any that do not complete and return the form by the deadline will not receive access to the GPS, thereby disqualifying them from participating in the grant funding competition.

Funds may be used on remedial education activities and academic enrichment learning programs, including providing additional assistance to students to allow the students to improve their academic achievement.

  • Academic enrichment learning programs, mentoring programs, remedial education activities, and tutoring services that are aligned with
  • The challenging State and academic standards and any local academic standards; and
  • Local curricula that are designed to improve student academic achievement;
  • Well-rounded education activities, including such activities that enable students to be eligible for credit recovery or attainment;
  • Literacy education programs, including financial literacy programs and environmental literacy programs;
  • Programs that support a healthy and active lifestyle, including nutritional education and regular, structured physical activity programs;
  • Services for individuals with disabilities;
  • Programs that provide after-school activities for students who are English learners that emphasize language skills and academic achievement;
  • Cultural programs;
  • Telecommunications and technology education programs;
  • Expanded library service hours;
  • Parenting skills programs that promote parental engagement, family literacy, and adult skill development;
  • Programs that provide assistance to students who have been truant, suspended, or expelled to allow the students to improve their academic achievement;
  • Drug and violence prevention programs, counseling programs;
  • Programs that build skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including computer science, and that foster innovation in learning by supporting nontraditional STEM education teaching methods; and

Programs that partner with in-demand fields of the local workforce or build career competencies and career readiness and ensure that local workforce and career readiness skills are aligned with the Carl D Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C 2301 et seq.) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.).

Applicants are reminded of their obligation under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure that their proposed community learning centers programs are accessible to persons with disabilities

  • Geographic Diversity: To expand the geographic distribution of programs, two priority points will be awarded to applications that propose to serve schools in the following counties: Berkley, Jackson, Mason, Ritchie, and McDowell.
  • STEM- Programs that provide substantial opportunities for participants in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will be awarded two priority points. An objective focused on STEM must be listed in the action plan and furthered described in the Quality Program and Implementation section to receive points.
  • Applicants that proposed to serve only schools identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement schools designated as needing improvement under section 1116 of ESEA will receive five priority points.
  • Schools that provide Career Technical Education (CTE) services to middle school and/or high school students will receive two priority points. Services are defined as required classes that lead to the completion of a certification in high school.  Classes that provide CTE information about programs and careers in middle school or required classes that lead to the completion of a certificate. Applicant must describe CTE services in the Quality Program and Implementation section to receive points.
  • Applications submitted jointly by school districts receiving Title I funds and community-based organizations or other public or private organizations will be awarded four priority points.

Conference Details

Bidders’ Conference:

Participation in the Bidders’ Conference is strongly recommended but not required for submission of an application.

Bidders’ Conferences will be held:
Equities Building
900 Virginia Ave
Charleston, WV

Wednesday March 1, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Monongalia Board of Education Building
High Street
Morgantown, WV

Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Technical Assistance Workshops

Are provided online to assist all grantees with the application process.

Additionally, three technical assistance calls will be provided using Microsoft Teams meeting platform: