The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the release of a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from interested parties to implement comprehensive 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programming in 2023-2024. It is anticipated $1.25M will be available to issue grant awards later this year.
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 funding for school and community partnerships to establish or expand community learning center programs. These programs provide students in high-need, economically disadvantaged communities with academic tutoring and enrichment opportunities designed to complement their school-day academic program. 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 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 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 February 1, 2023. It is strongly recommended that interested parties view this presentation, in its entirety, prior to submitting a proposal for 21st CCLC program funding.
Below is the anticipated timeline for the Department’s current 21st CCLC grant competition:
| Date | Task |
| January 10, 2023 | RFP Released to Public |
| February 1, 2023 | Informational Webinar Posted Online |
| February 15, 2023 | Deadline for Submission of Questions in Response to RFP |
| March 1, 2023 | Interested Parties Submit Letter of Intent to Apply |
| April 12, 2023 | Proposal Deadline |
| April 2023 | Formal Peer Review of Proposals |
| May 2023 | Grant Award Notifications |
| July 1, 2023 | 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 Centers (21st CCLC) Program, contact State Coordinator, Travis Doughty, at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov.