It’s Not Too Late to Find Funding for Summer & OST Programs

Every administrator understands the impact of out-of-school programming. Yet the day-to-day demands of running a school often push summer planning to the bottom of the to-do list. With the end of the year approaching and funding still a challenge, plans can feel uncertain. But the good news is that multiple funding sources—including federal, state, and local—are still available, and it’s not too late to apply.

In fact, now is the ideal time to review funding options and consider how districts, community organizations, and non-profit partners can support effective programming. This way, when summer rolls around, programs that keep students engaged and connected to learning through meaningful experiences are in place.

What Are OST Grants?

Out-of-school time (OST) grants help schools fund programs for children before school, after school, and during summer or other breaks. They support academic enrichment, youth development, and community-based learning opportunities.

Funding Options For School Districts and Public Schools

1. Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC)
   This federal program is the primary funding source for after-school and summer learning. It supports educational development, tutoring services, family engagement, and partnerships with community organizations for students attending high-poverty schools.
    
2. Title I, Part A
   Title I, also a federal program, funds schools with the highest percentage of children from low-income families. These funds can support academic interventions such as extended learning time and summer learning programs.
    
3. State OST or Expanded Learning Grants
   Many states provide competitive grants to support after-school and summer programs. For example, Texas administers 21st CCLC through the Texas Education Agency, California funds expanded learning through the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, and Massachusetts administers state-level after-school and summer grants through its Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
    
4. Local or District Innovation Funds
   Some districts allocate local funds to support summer STEM initiatives, makerspaces, or enrichment programs aligned with district goals.
    

Funding Options For Nonprofits and Community-Based Organizations

1. Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers
   In many states, nonprofits can apply directly or partner with school districts to deliver OST programming funded through 21st CCLC.
    
2. State-Level After-School or Youth Development Grants
   States such as New York and Illinois offer competitive after-school grants, some of which allow nonprofit providers to apply directly.
    
3. Private and Community Foundation Grants
   Local foundations often support summer enrichment, STEM camps, and youth development programs.

How to Find the Right Funding for Your Program

Before exploring grant options, it’s important to get clear on the basics:

1. Program goals
2. Funder objectives
3. Operational structure

Remember, when these three elements overlap, your application becomes significantly more competitive.
 

Step 1: Define Your Program

Before looking at specific grants and/or Request for Proposals (RFPs), think about what your program will do and why it should exist so you know which funding "buckets" you can draw from.

• Who is the program for? Define the student group, such as Title I-eligible students or English Language Learners, and specify the program duration, for example, a six-week summer intensive or a year-round "Power Hour" after-school program.
   
• What will the program cover? Decide whether your main focus is Academic Acceleration (closing learning gaps), Enrichment (such as STEM, arts, or makerspaces), or Youth Development (focusing on SEL and leadership). Keep in mind, overlaps are acceptable. Many grants, like 21st CCLC, often require a combination of these elements.
   
• Who will lead the program? Determine whether it will be managed by the district, operated by a Community-Based Organization (CBO), or included as part of a formal partnership.

Step 2: Review State-Specific Opportunities

While the program names vary, many states operate similar OST structures. Understanding how your state administers these programs can help you identify opportunities not immediately visible in district budgets. For example:

• In Texas, 21st CCLC grants are administered by the Texas Education Agency and support both school districts and eligible partners.
   
• In California, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) supports after-school and summer enrichment for elementary and middle school students.
   
• In Florida, 21st CCLC grants are administered through the Florida Department of Education and support academic enrichment activities during non-school hours.

Review your state’s education agency grant calendar and competitive grant postings to stay up-to-date with opportunities and application timelines.
 

Step 3: Align Program Goals to Grant Purpose

Review panels often prioritize programs that demonstrate clear and measurable impact. Strengthen your proposal by clearly communicating how your program is:

• Measurable: Demonstrate clear student outcomes with a defined process for tracking progress and reporting on success.
   
• Evidence-based: Use data—such as test scores, poverty rates, or attendance gaps—to demonstrate the need for funding and to justify the program.
   
• Collaborative: Formal collaboration is required for many federal funding streams. Detail how your program will share resources and responsibilities across schools and community organizations.
   
• Sustainable: Explain how your program will continue after the initial grant ends. Using durable, reusable materials is a strong way to show reviewers that your program has lasting value.

How to Get Started with OST Grants

1. Decide who will lead your program
   Will your program be district-led or nonprofit-led, and which funding sources are available in your state?
    
2. Look for funding opportunities
   Contact your district’s federal programs or grants office to find out about current allocations and upcoming grant opportunities.
    
3. Learn what’s possible in your state
   Review your state education agency’s website for 21st CCLC and other expanded learning programs.
    
4. Define your program
   Identify goals, student population, and timeline before building a budget.
    
5. Consider LEGO® Education
   Connect with us to find out how LEGO® Education solutions can support your OST or summer learning program.

Why LEGO® Education Is a Strong Fit for OST Programs

OTS programs are designed to keep students engaged and connected to learning. LEGO® Education solutions support those goals through easy-to-implement, hands-on experiences that:

1. Increase Student Engagement and Attendance
   Districts using LEGO® Education in summer and after-school programs often report higher participation and stronger attendance rates. Interactive STEM challenges and collaborative builds create learning environments that students want to return to.
    
2. Improve STEM Outcomes
   Instead of simply reviewing content, hands-on projects help students grasp new concepts by building, testing, and applying them as they learn. District leaders have reported that incorporating these types of activities into extended learning improves STEM performance.
    
3. Offer Flexible Summer and After-School Solutions
   To support both district-led and nonprofit-led OST models and grant timelines, LEGO® Education solutions can be implemented as:
    
   • Weekly summer camps
   • Multi-week enrichment sessions
   • Targeted STEM acceleration programs
   • Ongoing before or after-school clubs
      
4. Support Educators and Program Staff
   Structured lesson plans and ready-to-use materials help reduce preparation time and simplify facilitation. Districts have shared that providing clear, hands-on resources during extended learning programs helps reduce teacher stress and creates a more manageable experience for seasonal or rotating staff.

Build Your OST Program with LEGO® Education

Out-of-school time programs are a great way for districts and schools to create engaging opportunities for students. With thoughtful planning now and the right funding strategy, alongside powerful hands-on solutions like those found at LEGO® Education, summer and after-school learning can become a powerful extension of the classroom for your students.

About the Author

Neil Otto serves as the Grants and Funding Manager for LEGO® Education, U.S., where he helps schools and districts access and leverage funding to bring hands-on STEM and literacy learning experiences to students. With nearly two decades of experience in K–12 education, Neil bridges the gap between funding and classroom implementation—empowering educators and district leaders to connect great ideas with sustainable funding solutions.

A passionate advocate for equitable access to quality learning, Neil specializes in helping schools identify and apply federal, state, and local funds to support innovative programs that inspire curiosity and build 21st-century skills.

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