After-School Grant Program - Connecticut

Connecticut State Funding

Local Education Agencies (LEAs), charter schools, magnet schools, endowed academies
Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) (on behalf of LEAs)
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), including Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), partnered with a local school or district

Expand access to high-quality after-school programs
Support academic enrichment and recreational activities aligned with regular school-day instruction
Provide safe environments during out-of-school hours
Engage families in literacy and educational development opportunities

Grants must have “LEA Superintendent Approval” in eGMS by 11:59 PM on June 24, 2025

July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027 (2 years) - Second year of funding contingent on first-year performance and available appropriations

Minimum: $25,000 per fiscal year
Maximum: $200,000 per fiscal year
Funding is based on student count and program duration
- 26–29 weeks: Up to $2,200 per student
- 30–34 weeks: Up to $2,800 per student
- 35–38 weeks: Up to $3,500 per student

This grant supports STEM activities, academic enrichment, and project-based learning — making LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential, SPIKE Prime, and LEGO Education Science solutions strong candidates for funding.
- SPIKE Essential supports literacy, storytelling, and science integration for K–5 learners
- SPIKE Prime builds middle and high school skills in coding, engineering, and real-world problem-solving
- LEGO Education Science aligns with inquiry-based learning and hands-on science programming
- Professional Development for educators implementing these tools is an allowable use under training and quality improvement activities

Must operate at least 25 weeks per year
Minimum hours per week:
- Elementary: 9 hours, 4 days/week
- Middle: 8 hours, 4 days/week
- High School: 5 hours, 2+ days/week
Must include educational and recreational components, student choice, and a family engagement component
Each funded site must have a Site Safety Plan
Grantees must:
- Collect monthly attendance and program data
- Participate in evaluation and quality improvement
- Set aside 5% of funds for evaluation and data efforts

Clearly identify Option A (Elementary) or Option B (Middle/High) on the cover sheet
Strong applications involve partnerships with schools and community organizations
Programs serving low-performing schools or small communities (under 7,500 population) may receive priority points
Applicants may submit up to three proposals, but funding may be limited by region or entity
Minimum student attendance per year must be met to qualify for continued funding
Programs should demonstrate alignment with school-day learning, offer student choice, and ensure staff training

Ready to bring LEGO® Education to your district?