The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is accepting requests for proposals (RFPs) for the 2023 Nita M. Lowery 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funding.
Donor Name: West Virginia Department of Education
State: West Virginia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/16/2023
Size of the Grant: $50,000 to $260,000
Grant Duration: 5 years
Details:
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21stCCLC) program provides federal funding to support opportunities for communities to establish high-quality activities in community learning centers that:
- Provide quality out-of-school time for academic enrichment opportunities, particularly for those students who attend low-performing and high poverty schools, to meet West Virginia challenging academic standards in core content areas.
- Offer families of participants opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including options for literacy, math, and related educational development.
- Offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participants.
The West Virginia Department of Education makes competitive local grants (based on available federal funding) to eligible organizations to support the implementation of community learning centers that will assist student learning and development.
Grant Priorities
- Geographic Diversity: To expand the geographic distribution of programs, two priority points will be awarded to applications that propose to serve schools in the following counties: Berkley, Jackson, Mason, Ritchie, and McDowell.
- STEM- Programs that provide substantial opportunities for participants in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will be awarded two priority points. An objective focused on STEM must be listed in the action plan and furthered described in the Quality Program and Implementation section to receive points.
- Applicants that proposed to serve only schools identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement schools designated as needing improvement under section 1116 of ESEA will receive five priority points.
- Schools that provide Career Technical Education (CTE) services to middle school and/or high school students will receive two priority points. Services are defined as required classes that lead to the completion of a certification in high school. Classes that provide CTE information about programs and careers in middle school or required classes that lead to the completion of a certificate. Applicant must describe CTE services in the Quality Program and Implementation section to receive points.
- Applications submitted jointly by school districts receiving Title I funds and community-based organizations or other public or private organizations will be awarded four priority points.
Eligible Activities
The program may provide a broad array of enrichment services, programs, and activities that are designed to complement and reinforce the regular academic program of students and are enjoyed by the students. Programs must ensure the academic services provided are aligned with the school’s curriculum in the core subject areas. The program should also target students who may be at risk for academic failure and their families. Examples of enrichment include:
- Remedial Education
- Expanded Library Hours
- Drug and Violence Prevention Programs
- Parent Involvement
- Resiliency Programs
- Character Education
- STEM Activities
- Entrepreneurial Education
- Arts and Music Activities
- Financial Literacy Programs
- Tutoring and Mentoring Programs
- Nutrition and Health Programs
- Recreational, Fitness and Wellness Activities
- Service-Learning and Service Projects
- Positive Youth Development Activities
- Career and Technical Programs
Funding Information
The WVDE anticipates new grantee awards will range from $50,000 to $260,000 per year for five years, with funds adjusted annually based on performance and sustainability efforts.
Grant Period
Competitive grants are awarded for five years, provided the project is achieving the desired outcomes for the students being served and based on the availability of funding.
Eligibility Criteria
Private and public organizations may apply for funding. The following entities are eligible to apply:
- Local Education Agencies (LEA)
- Community-based Organizations (CBO)
- Faith-based Organizations (FBO)
- Institution of Higher Education (IHE)
- City or County Government agencies
- Charter School
- For-profit corporations and other public or private entities
For more information, visit Department of Education.
