Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Request for Proposals Guidance

RFP: 132 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Request for Proposals Guidance 21st CCLC Scoring Rubric 2026-27 For Review Only: Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) RFP 2026-27Applicants must use the Electronic Grants Management System (eGMS) to electronically complete and submit the application.The grant proposal must be submitted, in total, in eGMS on or before the due date. Instructions for using eGMS can be found on the eGMS home page under “Training and Video Links.” Applicants needing additional assistance navigating eGMS should contact the helpdesk using the contact information listed on the eGMS home page.Establishing a New eGMS AccountApplicants that do not have an eGMS account should contact April Swain at April.Swain@CT.gov for assistance obtaining an account. New users are advised to allow sufficient time to establish a new account in eGMS prior to the proposal due date.PurposeThe purpose of the grant is to fund community learning centers that provide students with academic, enrichment, recreational, and social-emotional support opportunities outside of regular school hours and to consistently serve the same students over a prolonged period.Centers may operate in elementary or secondary schools or other similarly accessible facilities and should provide high-quality services to support student learning and development. Programs should also support families by offering educational development opportunities and providing a safe environment for students when school is not in session.Contact InformationEmail: Shelby.Pons@CT.gov
Phone: 860-807-2103Deadline for Submission: July 8, 2026The online application must be in “LEA Superintendent Approved” status by 4:00 p.m. on July 8, 2026.For non-LEA organizations, “LEA Superintendent” refers to the individual with authority to approve and submit an application to the Connecticut State Department of Education.No extensions shall be granted.21st CCLC Virtual Bidder’s WebinarDate: June 5, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m.The bidders’ conference will provide information on the major components and criteria for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Request for Proposal (RFP). Attendance at the bidders’ conference is not mandatory.Microsoft Teams Bidder’s Conference: Join the meeting Meeting ID: 227 723 306 408 975Passcode: WX2Lw9MbEligible ApplicantsEligible lead applicants include local educational agencies, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, other public or private organizations, consortia of two or more agencies (including local and regional boards of education), Regional Educational Service Centers applying on behalf of LEAs, charter schools, and magnet schools.All lead applicants are required to have:

• A letter of commitment from the Superintendent and each site principal (see Partnership & Collaboration, Question #4); and
• A completed Mandatory Superintendent, CBO, and Principal Signature Document (see Cover Page).

Eligible School Population Requirements21st CCLC programs must be designed to serve students attending schools with a high concentration of low-income students, where at least 40 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.Office of Early Childhood Child Day Care Licensure RequirementPrograms proposing to serve school-age students through this funding opportunity must comply with child day care licensing requirements as defined under Section 19a-77 of the Connecticut General Statutes.Applicants are required to provide one of the following:

• An assurance statement signed by the Superintendent or authorized personnel confirming that the public school district administers the after-school program and retains ultimate responsibility for the management and oversight of the program, including responsibility for program staff and children attending the program for the duration of the grant period; or
• A copy of the program’s current Office of Early Childhood child day care license if the Board of Education does not administer the program.