The purpose of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (C.C.L.C) Program, as described in federal statute, is to provide opportunities for communities to establish or expand activities that focus on:

• Improved academic achievement

• Enrichment services that reinforce and complement the academic program, and

• Family literacy and related educational development services

Entities eligible to apply for funding include: local educational agencies (L.E.As), cities, counties, community-based agencies, other public or private entities (which may include faith-based organizations), or a consortium of two or more such agencies, organizations, or entities. Applicants are required to plan their programs through a collaborative process that includes parents, youth, and representatives of participating schools or local educational agencies, governmental agencies (e.g., cities, counties, parks and recreation departments), community organizations, and the private sector.

While the California Department of Education (C.D.E) anticipates awarding grant funding for the California 21st C.C.L.C Program on a regular basis, it is important to note that grant funding for each fiscal year is contingent upon the availability of federal funds and the enactment of each respective federal and state Budget Act. When grant funding is available, the C.D.E Expanded Learning Division will conduct a competitive grant process that begins with the release of a RFAs.