The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) will receive funding from the United States Department of Education (USDOE) to fund 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). The funds will be awarded through a competitive grant process based on the implementation of research-based academic improvement practices, through collaborative efforts, and meeting the grant criteria.
Authorized under Title IV, Part B, Section 4201 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), and as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; (NCLB), the purpose of the 21st CCLC Grant program is to establish or expand community learning centers that provide students with out-of-school academic enrichment activities designed to complement the students’ regular academic program, as well as pre-kindergarten classrooms. Community learning centers must also offer the families of student participants literacy and related educational opportunities. Centers may be located in elementary schools, secondary schools, or other similarly accessible facilities. Eligible entities are local educational agencies (LEA/Target School) that meet the targeted school requirement of 40% Free/Reduced Lunch criteria, community-based organizations (CBO), faith-based organizations (FBO), other public or private entities, or a consortium of two or more such agencies, organizations or entities.
The 21st CCLC Request For Proposal (RFP) Grant Application and Guidelines are attached to this commissioner’s memo. The original and four (4) copies of the application must be received in the Arkansas Department of Education no later than 4:30 p.m., Tuesday March 31, 2009. Send or deliver to: Tammie Cloyes, State 21st CCLC Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Education, Four Capitol Mall, Room 305-B, Little Rock, AR 72201. Faxed copies of the application will not be accepted.
A videoconference will be held on Friday, February 20, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Specific 21st CCLC Guidelines and RFP will be explained in detail. Please contact the local educational cooperative teacher center coordinator regarding attendance.