The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce the release of a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from interested parties to implement comprehensive 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) programs in 2019-2020. It is anticipated that an estimated $1.75M will be available to issue grant awards later this year.
21st Century Community Learning Center Programs RFP (PDF)
Authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Act of 2015, the 21st CCLC program provides competitive grant funding to support before school, after school, and summer learning programs that focus on improving the academic performance of students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12.
The primary purpose of Maine’s 21st CCLC program is to provide school and community partnerships with funding to establish or expand programs that provide students in high-need, economically-disadvantaged communities with academic enrichment opportunities designed to complement their traditional school day curriculum. In addition, these programs can provide a broad array of additional support services related to overall student health and well-being.
Local 21st CCLC programs – which can be located in elementary schools, secondary schools or similarly accessible community facilities – provide high quality support services to students during non-school hours. As such, these programs also support working parents and families by providing safe, supportive learning environments for students at times when school is not in session.
The request for proposal (RFP), which includes information regarding eligibility, program requirements, and more, is available here. An informational webinar for this RFP will be posted to the Department’s application website on January 17, 2018. It is strongly encouraged that interested parties view this presentation prior to completing an application for 21st CCLC program funding.
Below is the anticipated timeline for the Department’s 2019 21st CCLC grant competition:
| Date | Task |
| January 8, 2019 | Grant Application Released to Public |
| January 17, 2019 | Informational Webinar Posted Online |
| January 31, 2019 | Deadline for Submission of Questions in Response to RFP |
| February 14, 2019 | Interested Parties Submit Letter of Intent to Apply |
| April 4, 2019 | Application Deadline |
| April 2019 – May 2019 | Peer Review of Applications |
| May 2019 | Grant Award Notifications |
| July 1, 2019 | Grant Award Start Date |
Please be advised that the dates above are subject to change. Interested parties must consult the RFP document for the most accurate dates and deadlines regarding this opportunity.
For more information on the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Program, contact Federal Grant Coordinator, Travis Doughty, at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov.