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Program Basics

The 21st Century Community Learning Program (CCLC) is a U.S. Department of Education program, administered through the states, providing grants to schools, community and faith-based organizations, and youth development agencies, to provide high quality, expanded learning opportunities outside of regular school hours for children in a safe and sound educational environment.

The federal statue governing the 21CCLC programs is a part of the Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This statute is divided into six sections and addresses a variety of areas including:

• Purpose and Definitions
• Allotments to the States
• State Applications
• Local Competitive Grant Program
• Local Activities
• Authorization of Appropriations
• NCLB

Federal Non-Regulatory Guidance

The Federal Non-Regulatory Guidance document is a fifty-page document that expands upon the federal legislation for a clearer overall picture of the legislative intent. This document primarily discusses the process required by state education agencies to draw down the federal dollars as well as some information regarding the means by which the state can distribute the money locally. Sections F and G address the main issues raised by local programs. These sections discuss the competitive grant aspect and the local use of funds. Written in a Q and A format, the document is very readable and answers many issues affecting start-up programs.

Official U.S. Department of Education site of the Federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, offering a variety of information and resources about the program’s purpose, eligibility criteria, and funding status.

This federal website describes the purpose of the 21st CCLC program and procedures for states and local programs to apply for funding.

This federal website provides information on NCLB legislation, regulations, policy guidance, and other resources.

This federal site provides information to help state education agencies and eligible schools understand how to participate successfully in the federal 21st CCLC program. Using a question-and-answer approach, information is presented on the purpose of the program, allocation of funds to the states, the competitive award process within states, and evaluation and accountability, among other topics.