Category: 21st Century

Westbrook’s Intercultural Community Center Sparks Confidence and Joy with ‘Wonders of Water’ Summer Program

This summer, the Intercultural Community Center (ICC) of Westbrook—proud recipient of a 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant—hosted an extraordinarily impactful seven‑week “Wonders of Water” program, welcoming 60 middle schoolers from the Westbrook School Department to a free and transformative aquatic adventure.

Thanks to crucial support from the 21st CCLC grant and generous partners, including the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Goldfish Swim School, cPort Credit Union, and Maine Community Swimming, each of these students received brand-new bathing suits, swim caps, goggles, and water bottles, empowering them to jump into learning with confidence and flair.

This program wasn’t just about fun; its core mission was instilling lifesaving water safety and swimming skills. Under the “Wonders of Water” theme, participants learned how to swim, to stay safe in and around the water, and to value aquatic environments. Every single student mastered swimming by the end of the program.

Over the course of 35 days of programming, students and staff embarked on 23 field trips, exploring 11 different bodies of water across the scenic Casco Bay watershed. From beaches and estuaries to ponds and coastal inlets, students gained both confidence in the water and a deepened appreciation for their local marine ecosystems.

ICC’s powerful summer achievement is based on the 21st CCLC grant, which ensures that academic enrichment, language support, and aquatic education remain free to learners regardless of their background.

Thanks to this funding, ICC has grown stronger through expanded staffing and enhanced coordination with the local school department. Meaningful outreach efforts have also made ICC a vital, dependable presence in the community.

This season’s aquatic triumph underscores ICC’s evolving impact: Beyond academic support, ICC is now fostering lasting lifesaving skills, environmental awareness, and inclusive summer fun. As ICC continues to weave together enrichment, safety, and community partnerships, it is clear that the ripple effects of this summer will persist far beyond the final swim cap being dried.

To the ICC team, students, families, and all community allies: Your dedication is making waves in the best possible way.

This story was written in collaboration with the Westbrook School Department’s Intercultural Community Center (ICC). To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Ocean Avenue’s LearningWorks AfterSchool Students Celebrate a Year of Growth – In and Out of the Garden

At Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland, the final days of the 2024-2025 school year didn’t just mark the start of summer; they marked the culmination of something far more meaningful. On May 28, 2025, students, families, and staff gathered for a joyful celebration that bloomed with laughter, learning, and the unmistakable smell of fresh basil.

Throughout the year, the LearningWorks AfterSchool program at Ocean Avenue was a place for students to grow—in every sense of the word. One of the most popular features of the program this spring was the health and wellness cooking club, where students rolled up their sleeves and discovered just how empowering (and tasty) healthy eating can be. Whether whipping up simple seasonal dishes or learning how to navigate a kitchen with confidence, they found pride in preparing food they could enjoy and share.

The lessons didn’t end at the table! Earlier this spring, families joined students for a creative project that planted the seeds for something special—literally. Caregivers and kids sat side by side, painting flowerpots in bright colors and bold designs, knowing that they would soon be home to basil plants that they would nurture together.

Two months later, those same pots were filled with life. At the program’s year-end gathering, students tucked basil seedlings into the soil with careful hands and eager hearts. With a quick crash course in how to tend to their new leafy friends, they headed home with plants, pride, and a few new favorite recipes.

“We’ve seen incredible growth this year,” Site Coordinator Stephanie Bethel said. “Not just in what students can do but in how they see themselves. From painting pots to planting basil, everything we’ve done has helped students—and families—to feel more connected, more confident, and more capable.”

As part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, LearningWorks AfterSchool continues to foster safe, inspiring spaces that stretch beyond academics. At Ocean Avenue, those spaces came alive this year with the smell of pesto, the sound of laughter, and the roots of something that will keep growing long after summer begins.

This story was submitted by the LearningWorks Afterschool Program. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Maine DOE Seeking Paid Peer Reviewers for 21st Century Community Learning Center Program RFPs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications from individuals interested in learning more about the competitive grant process. Selected applicants will be trained to serve as peer reviewers who assist the Maine DOE in reviewing, assessing, and scoring competitive grant proposals for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st  CCLC) program. Peer reviewers will receive $100 per completed assigned application.

The 21st CCLC program is a federally-funded education program that helps schools and communities to develop before-school, after-school, and summer educational programs that support students and their families. This year’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 21st– CCLC program was released to the public on January 8, 2025. The Maine DOE anticipates receiving proposals from local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities seeking awards under this RFP when it closes on April 2, 2025.

Qualifications for Peer Reviewers:

Peer reviewers will be selected based on their experience providing effective academic support, enrichment, youth development, and related support services for children and youth. The most qualified candidates will be individuals who have experience in the administration of high-quality youth development programs within schools and communities. Examples of the experienced individuals sought include, but are not limited to:

  • 21st CCLC program directors and site coordinators
  • Teachers and principals
  • College and university staff
  • Youth development workers
  • Community resource providers

Required Tasks for Peer Reviewers:

Selected peer reviewers must be able to participate in online training and review grant proposals through a web-based system. Peer reviewers will work individually to read each assigned proposal and create detailed, objective, constructive, and well-written comments on approximately eight (8) proposals based on the criteria established in the RFP. These comments will be submitted to the Maine DOE prior to  scheduled consensus scoring sessions. It is anticipated that peer reviewers will have a three-week window in which they can complete their individual review of assigned proposals. Following the individual review of proposals, each reviewer will be required to participate in a series of two online/virtual consensus scoring sessions hosted by the Maine DOE. It is during these consensus scoring sessions that the peer review team will score each grant proposal.

Selected applicants must complete the following tasks during the following date(s):

Task Date(s) Time(s)
Participate in an online training webinar. March 31, 2025 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Review grant applications through a web-based system and provide individual, written comments on each application (which must be submitted to the Maine DOE). April 7 – April 25, 2025 any time
Participate in online/virtual consensus scoring sessions with other members of the peer review team. (Applicants MUST be available on all four scoring days but will only be selected to participate for two days.) April 29 – April 30, 2025 or
May 6 – May 7, 2025		 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Compensation for Services:

Selected reviewers who complete the required tasks will be provided an honorarium of $100 per assigned application.

Previous participants have found that serving as a member of the peer review team is an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth. If selected, applicants will likely be exposed to new program models, strategies, and practices. These new concepts may provide ideas and support for ongoing work, as well as future grant writing efforts. Most importantly, the time given to this effort will help to ensure the funding of quality education programs for the children and families of Maine.

How to Apply:

Interested parties must contact Travis Doughty, Title IV State Coordinator, at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov to obtain a copy of the 2025 peer reviewer application and then return the completed application along with a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

Pursuant to Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, peer reviewers may not include any applicant, or representative of an applicant, who has or will submit a proposal in response to the current grant competition.

Deadline:

The Maine DOE will continue accepting peer reviewer applications through March 14, 2025, or until the needed positions are filled. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

For more information, please contact Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov or 207-624-6709.

Grants for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs Now Available; Applications Due April 2, 2025

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the release of a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from organizations interested in implementing comprehensive afterschool and summer learning programs in 2025-2026. It is anticipated that roughly $2.5 million will be available to issue grant awards this spring.

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 Century Community Learning Centers (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-K through grade 12.

The primary purpose of the 21st CCLC program is to provide funding for school and community partnerships that 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 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 normally in session.

The request for proposal (RFP), which includes information regarding eligibility, program requirements, and more, is available on the Maine Office of Procurement Services website (Search for RFP #202412216.)

An informational webinar for this RFP will also be posted to the Maine DOE Grants4ME website on January 22, 2025. It is strongly recommended that interested organizations view this presentation in its entirety prior to submitting a proposal for 21st CCLC program funding.

Below is the anticipated timeline for the Maine DOE current 21st CCLC grant competition:

  • January 8, 2025 – RFP released to public
  • January 22, 2025 – informational webinar posted online
  • February 5, 2025 – deadline for submission of questions in response to RFP
  • February 26, 2026 – interested organizations submit intent to apply form
  • April 2, 2025 – proposal deadline
  • April 2025 – formal peer review of proposals
  • May 2025 – grant award notifications
  • July 1, 2025 – grant award start date

Please be advised that the dates above are subject to change. Interested organizations must consult the RFP document for the most accurate dates and deadlines regarding this opportunity.

For more information about the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program, please contact State Coordinator Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov.

Katahdin Elementary School Honored for Healthy Afterschool Programming

Recently, the Maine Family Resource Center’s After School Program at Katahdin Elementary School received an Outstanding Star award from Bangor Public Health and Community Services. This award recognizes the school for its dedication to increasing students’ physical activity by establishing a Mileage Club in the After School Program.

Gail Pocock
Gail Pocock, Katahdin Elementary After School Program Coordinator

Mileage Club is a physical activity challenge that engages students in a team atmosphere. Students can walk, run, or ride bicycles around Katahdin Elementary School’s half-mile outdoor trail, counting their distance traveled toward a larger group goal. Along the way, students get rewards, like differently-colored foot charms to go on necklaces they wear. These motivational activities keep kids moving and having fun.

“I decided to organize the Mileage Club as an avenue for students to participate in physical exercise,” Gail Pocock, Katahdin Elementary After School Program Coordinator, said. “My goal is to provide opportunities for children to experience and develop healthy lifestyle choices and spend less time on screens.”

This is the first year of Bangor Public Health and Community Services’ Outstanding Star recognition program. Staff from the Health Promotion Team at Bangor Public Health and Community Services nominated organizations and individuals based on the experiences they’ve had working with them.

The Healthy Eating Active Living Team (HEAL) for the city of Bangor nominated Pocock for the award. They have collaborated with Pocock since 2017 to ensure students in the often-underserved, rural community of Katahdin have access to as many programs and resources as possible to support their health. In addition to the Mileage Club, which began in 2023 at Katahdin Elementary School, Pocock has also included SNAP-Ed and Let’s Go! in the After School Program, both of which have been very successful.

“Students have voice and choice at our After School Program,” said Pocock.

“This is the best day ever,” one of the After School Program students said of the Mileage Club. “I get to ride a bike!”

Katahdin Elementary School and RSU 89 have invested in outdoor education through the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) grant. It was with this funding that these outdoor trails were created at Katahdin Elementary School. The grant has also funded outdoor classrooms, gear, and clothing to encourage more outdoor learning.

Nine organizations and individuals were recognized this year as Outstanding Stars by Bangor Public Health and Community Services. For more information about this award, click here.

Information for this story was provided by Bangor Public Health and Community Services and Katahdin Elementary School. To share good news from your school, fill out the Maine DOE good news submission form.

Extended Deadline: Paid Professional Learning Opportunity Provided by Maine DOE – Applications Close March 21, 2024

The Maine Department of Education is accepting applications from individuals interested in learning more about the competitive grant process. Selected applicants will be trained to serve as peer reviewers who assist the Department in reviewing, assessing, and scoring competitive grant proposals for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st  CCLC) Program. The 21st CCLC program is a federally funded education program that helps schools and communities develop before-school, after-school, and summer educational programs that support students and their families.

This year’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 21st CCLC program was released to the public on January 9, 2024, and is available online at: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/rfps. The Department anticipates receiving proposals from local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities seeking awards under this RFP.

Qualifications:

Peer review applicants will be selected based on their experience in providing effective academic support, enrichment, youth development, and related support services for children and youth. The most qualified candidates will be individuals who have experience in the administration of high-quality youth development programs within schools and communities. Examples of the experienced individuals sought include, but are not limited to:

  • 21st CCLC program directors and site coordinators
  • Teachers and principals
  • College and university staff
  • Youth development workers
  • Community resource providers

Required Tasks:

Selected applicants must be able to participate in an online training and review grant proposals through a web-based system. Applicants will work individually to read each assigned proposal and create detailed, objective, constructive, and well-written comments on approximately 10 proposals based on the criteria established in the RFP. These comments will be submitted to the Department prior to participating in the scheduled consensus scoring sessions. It is anticipated that peer reviewers will have a three (3) week window in which to complete their individual review of assigned proposals.  Following the individual review of proposals, each successful applicant will be required to participate in a series of two (2) online/virtual consensus scoring sessions hosted by the Department. It is during these consensus scoring sessions that the peer review team will score each grant proposal.

Selected applicants must complete the following tasks during the following date(s):

Task Date(s) Time(s)
Participate in an online training webinar April 3, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Review grant applications through a web-based system and provide individual, written comments on each application (which must be submitted to the Department) April 12, 2024 – May 1, 2024 Any Time
Participate in online/virtual consensus scoring sessions with other members of the peer review team (applicants MUST be available on all four scoring days, but will only be selected to participate for two days) May 6, 2024 – May 7, 2024; or
May 8, 2024 – May 9, 2024		 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Compensation for Services:

Selected reviewers who complete the required tasks will be provided an honorarium of $100 per assigned application.

Previous participants have also found that serving as a member of the peer review team is an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth. It is likely that, if selected, applicants will be exposed to new program models, strategies, and practices. These new concepts may provide ideas and support for ongoing work as well as future grant writing efforts. Most importantly, the time given to this effort will help ensure the funding of quality education programs for the children and families of Maine.

How to Apply:

Interested parties must contact Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov to obtain a copy of the 2024 peer reviewer application and then return the completed application along with a current resume or CV.

Pursuant to Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, peer reviewers may not include any applicant, or representative of an applicant, who has or will submit a proposal in response to the current grant competition.

Deadline:

The Maine Department of Education will continue accepting peer reviewer applications through March 21, 2024, or until the needed positions are filled. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Contact:

For more information, contact Title IV State Coordinator, Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov or 624-6709.

Paid Professional Learning Opportunity Provided by Maine DOE

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications from individuals interested in learning more about the competitive grant process. Selected applicants will be trained to serve as peer reviewers who assist the Maine DOE in reviewing, assessing, and scoring competitive grant proposals for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st  CCLC) Program. The 21st CCLC program is a federally funded education program that helps schools and communities develop before-school, after-school, and summer educational programs that support students and their families.

This year’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 21st CCLC program was released to the public on January 9, 2024, and is available online here. The Maine DOE anticipates receiving proposals from local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities seeking awards under this RFP.

Qualifications:

Peer review applicants will be selected based on their experience in providing effective academic support, enrichment, youth development, and related support services for children and youth. The most qualified candidates will be individuals who have experience in the administration of high-quality youth development programs within schools and communities. Examples of the experienced individuals sought include, but are not limited to:

  • 21st CCLC program directors and site coordinators
  • Teachers and principals
  • College and university staff
  • Youth development workers
  • Community resource providers

Required Tasks:

Selected applicants must be able to participate in online training and review grant proposals through a web-based system. Applicants will work individually to read each assigned proposal and create detailed, objective, constructive, and well-written comments on approximately 10 proposals based on the criteria established in the RFP. These comments will be submitted to the Maine DOE prior to participating in the scheduled consensus scoring sessions. It is anticipated that peer reviewers will have a three (3) week window in which to complete their individual review of assigned proposals.  Following the individual review of proposals, each successful applicant will be required to participate in a series of two (2) online/virtual consensus scoring sessions hosted by the Maine DOE. It is during these consensus scoring sessions that the peer review team will score each grant proposal.

Selected applicants must complete the following tasks during the following date(s):

Task Date(s) Time(s)
Participate in an online training webinar April 3, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Review grant applications through a web-based system and provide individual, written comments on each application (which must be submitted to the Department) April 12, 2024 – May 1, 2024 Any Time
Participate in online/virtual consensus scoring sessions with other members of the peer review team (applicants MUST be available on all four scoring days, but will only be selected to participate for two days) May 6, 2024 – May 7, 2024; or
May 8, 2024 – May 9, 2024		 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Compensation for Services:

Selected reviewers who complete the required tasks will be provided an honorarium of $100 per assigned application.

Previous participants have also found that serving as a member of the peer review team is an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth. It is likely that, if selected, applicants will be exposed to new program models, strategies, and practices. These new concepts may provide ideas and support for ongoing work as well as future grant writing efforts. Most importantly, the time given to this effort will help ensure the funding of quality education programs for the children and families of Maine.

How to Apply:

Interested parties must contact Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov to obtain a copy of the 2024 peer reviewer application and then return the completed application along with a current resume or CV.

Pursuant to Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, peer reviewers may not include any applicant, or representative of an applicant, who has or will submit a proposal in response to the current grant competition.

Deadline:

The Maine Department of Education will continue accepting peer reviewer applications through March 14, 2024, or until the needed positions are filled. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Contact:

For more information, contact Title IV State Coordinator, Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov or 624-6709.

Grants for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs Now Available, Application Deadline April 10, 2024

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the release of a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from organizations interested in implementing comprehensive afterschool and summer learning programs in 2024-2025. It is anticipated that roughly $3.5 million will be available to issue grant awards this spring.

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 Century Community Learning Centers (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 the 21st CCLC program is to provide funding for school and community partnerships that 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 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 normally 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 also be posted to the Department’s application website on January 24, 2024. It is strongly recommended that interested organizations view this presentation, in its entirety, before submitting a proposal for 21st CCLC program funding.

Below is the anticipated timeline for the Department’s current 21st CCLC grant competition:

  • January 9, 2024—RFP Released to Public
  • January 24, 2024—Informational Webinar Posted Online
  • February 7, 2024—Deadline for Submission of Questions in Response to RFP
  • February 21, 2024—Interested Organizations Submit Intent to Apply Form
  • April 10, 2024—Proposal Deadline
  • April 2024—Formal Peer Review of Proposals
  • May 2024—Grant Award Notifications
  • July 1, 2024—Grant Award Start Date

Please be advised that the dates above are subject to change. Interested organizations 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.

Paid Professional Learning Opportunity Provided by Maine DOE

The Maine Department of Education is accepting applications from individuals interested in learning more about the competitive grant process. Selected applicants will be trained to serve as peer reviewers who assist the Department in reviewing, assessing, and scoring competitive grant proposals for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st  CCLC) Program. The 21st CCLC program is a federally funded education program that helps schools and communities develop before-school, after-school, and summer educational programs that support students and their families.

This year’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 21st CCLC program was released to the public on January 10, 2023 and is available online here. The Department anticipates receiving proposals from local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities seeking awards under this RFP.

Qualifications:

Peer Review applicants will be selected based on their experience in providing effective academic support, enrichment, youth development, and related support services for children and youth. The most qualified candidates will be individuals who have experience in the administration of high-quality youth development programs within schools and communities. Examples of the experienced individuals sought include, but are not limited to:

  • 21st CCLC program directors and site coordinators
  • Teachers and principals
  • College and university staff
  • Youth development workers
  • Community resource providers

Required Tasks:

Selected applicants must be able to participate in an online training and review grant proposals through a web-based system. Applicants will work individually to read each assigned proposal and create detailed, objective, constructive, and well-written comments on approximately 8 proposals based on the criteria established in the RFP. These comments will be submitted to the Department prior to participating in the scheduled consensus scoring sessions. It is anticipated that peer reviewers will have a three (3) week window in which to complete their individual review of assigned proposals.  Following the individual review of proposals, each successful applicant will be required to participate in a series of two (2) online/virtual consensus scoring sessions hosted by the Department. It is during these consensus scoring sessions that the peer review team will score each application.

Selected applicants must complete the following tasks during the following date(s):

Task Date(s) Time(s)
Participate in an online training webinar April 5, 2023 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Review grant applications through a web-based system and provide individual, written comments on each application (which must be submitted to the Department) April 17, 2023 – May 5, 2023 Any Time
Participate in online/virtual consensus scoring sessions with other members of the peer review team May 8, 2023 – May 9, 2023 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Compensation for Services:

Selected reviewers who complete the required tasks will be provided an honorarium of $100 per assigned application.

Previous participants have also found that serving as a member of the peer review team is an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth. It is likely that, if selected, applicants will be exposed to new program models, strategies, and practices. These new concepts may provide ideas and support for ongoing work as well as future grant writing efforts. Most importantly, the time given to this effort will help ensure the funding of quality education programs for the children and families of Maine.

How to Apply:

Interested parties must contact Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov to obtain a copy of the 2023 peer reviewer application and then return the completed application along with a current resume or CV.

Pursuant to Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, peer reviewers may not include any applicant, or representative of an applicant, who has or will submit a proposal in response to the current grant competition.

Deadline:

The Maine Department of Education will continue accepting peer reviewer applications through March 29, 2023, or until the needed positions are filled. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Contact:

For more information, contact State Coordinator, Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov or 624-6709.

Grants for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs Now Available; Application Deadline 4/12/23

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.