Massachusetts State Funding
21st CCLC Exemplary Programs Grant
Eligibility
- Open to sites that received a FY2023 Fund Code 646 grant and corresponding continuation grants
- Must have met all previous eligibility and grant requirements
Goals
- Support the Department’s Educational Vision to advance equitable learning opportunities and re-envision learning experiences for students across the Commonwealth.
- Engage Title I-eligible students and historically marginalized groups
- Deliver academically enriching, relevant, and interactive programming
- Strengthen learning during the school year and summer
- Support project-based learning and DESE’s deeper learning goals
- Promote equitable learning and program sustainability
- Share exemplary practices with other 21st CCLC programs
Application Due Date
- Thursday, June 12, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET
Grant Cycle
- Year 1: 08/15/2025 – 06/30/2026
- Continuation expected through FY2029 pending performance and funding
Grant Award Total Amount
- Minimum grant: $50,000
- Applicants may apply for up to the amount received in FY2025
Allowable Purchases (LEGO Education Alignment)
- Funds can be used for instructional materials that support hands-on, project-based, and enriching learning
- LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential and Prime solutions align with grant goals by supporting:
- Real-world, interactive STEM learning
- Engagement of diverse learners through hands-on experiences
- Development of 21st-century skills in OST and summer programming
- LEGO Education Professional Development (PD) for educators using LEGO Education tools is also aligned, especially where programs must demonstrate quality, sustainability, and impact
Program Implementation Requirements
- Minimum 400 hours/year for Out-of-School Time (OST) programs
- Minimum 300 hours/year for Expanded Learning Time (ELT) programs, including 120 summer hours
- Participation in High Quality Project-Based Learning (HQPBL) Training (Cohort VI) required
- Programs must show evidence of continuous improvement, family engagement, and support for underperforming schools
- Use of the Survey of Academic and Youth Outcomes (SAYO) is required
Keep in Mind
- Indirect costs are not allowed
- Submission must go through the GEM$ system and be approved by the Superintendent
- Virtual info session: May 2, 2025; Writer’s Workshop: May 22, 2025
- Site visits and risk assessments influence scoring; strong implementation history improves chance of renewal