PIERRE, S.D. – Schools and other child-centered organizations interested in receiving a Nita M. Lowey 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (21^st CCLC) grant for out-of-school time programs can now submit a Notice of Intent to Apply.

The learning centers are intended to assist students from high-poverty and low-performing schools by providing academic enrichment opportunities and activities during after-school and summer programs. The activities should be designed to complement regular school instruction. Locations that provide care for students outside of normal school hours are encouraged to apply.

The grant application will be online; applicants must submit a Notice of Intent to Apply to the South Dakota Department of Education by Jan. 13, 2025. Applicants will then receive the information needed to access the online system. The deadline for the full application is Feb. 24, 2025.

Interested applicants must attend a webinar which will be held virtually on Thursday, Jan. 16, 10-11 a.m. CST. A submission of a notice does not obligate an agency to apply.

The 21^st CCLC Grant Guidelines are now available and can be found at https://doe.sd.gov/21CCLC/.

Grant award amounts range from $50,000 to $300,000 per year; the length of a grant is five years. While funds are often awarded to schools, other organizations are also eligible to apply. The grants must specifically support programs offered outside of regular school hours.

Contact the Department of Education at (605)773-3134 or doe@state.sd.us with questions.

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