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Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers – Cohort 9 Competition
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is pleased to announce that the application for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) grant competition is available to apply for funding for Cohort 9.
 
The purpose of the funding is to create or expand community learning centers that provide high-quality academic support, enrichment and youth development programs during non-school hours and summers.
  1. Provide opportunities for academic enrichment to help students, particularly students attending low-performing schools, meet state and local student state and local academic standards;
  2. Offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students; and
  3. Offer families of students served by community learning centers opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development.

Public and private organizations targeting students enrolled in schools eligible for Title I schoolwide programs are invited to apply. This includes Minnesota’s 11 federally recognized tribes and American Indian organizations, public schools, private schools, charter schools, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, non-profit agencies and for-profit corporations. Current and previously funded 21st CCLC grant recipients are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. See the grant opportunity instructions document for specific eligibility criteria. 

MDE estimates that $7.5 million is available to fund grants statewide. Grants will not be made in an amount less than $50,000 per year. There is no maximum grant award amount. The state reserves the right to offer grant awards in amounts that might differ from the applicant’s request.

The term of the initial grant period is anticipated to be from September 1, 2023 until August 31, 2026. There is an option for a three-year renewal award. Renewal awards are contingent upon progress made during the initial grant period, continued funding and priorities of the department. 

St. Louis Park Public Schools intends to apply for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 9 grant opportunity and will be available for public review after submission.