Alaska’s Education Department is currently seeking applicants for the competitive 21st Century Community Learning Centers federal grant program for entities that would begin providing programming in the fall of the 26-27 school year.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, private and faith-based organizations are among the various eligible entities that can apply for the grants, which are intended to help organizations operate learning programs that provide engaging out-of-school academic enrichment for the school-age community.
Typical academic-focused activities include reading and math instruction, homework support, and credit recovery or attainment. Enrichment opportunities might include coding, theatre, art, construction, dance, archery, music, cooking, robotics and more. These “centers” can serve kindergarten through 12th grade students and typically operate right after school and can provide additional programming during the summer break.
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Awards are made for up to five years, and applicants can request up to $900,000 per year.
Alaska’s Education Department expects to award seven to nine applicants. Any Alaska faith-based organization, private entity, school district, community-based organization or tribal organization located in Alaska and working in partnership with their school and community is eligible to apply.
For more information, view the Alaska 21st CCLC Request for Applications FY27 document, as well as the DEED 21st CCLC webpage. Applications are due April 1, 2026. For questions, contact Jessica Paris at jessica.paris@alaska.gov or 907-465-8716.
