21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program (21st CCLC) is federally funded (Title IV, Part B) awarded to public school corporations, charter schools, community-based organizations, public/private organizations, FBOs whose programming is secular, or a consortium of these organizations to provide youth with a safe environment during non-school hours.
This program fosters the development of community learning centers that offer academic enrichment opportunities for youth, especially those from high-poverty and underperforming schools. It serves as a supplemental initiative to support and strengthen efforts to boost student academic performance, helping youth excel on local and state assessments. The program aids students in meeting state and local academic standards in core subjects, provides a wide range of enrichment activities that support their social, emotional, and behavioral growth, and delivers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating youth.
MSD of Pike Township
CIESC has partnered with the MSD of Pike Township to manage its after-school programs for 15 years. During that period, we served over 5,000 elementary, middle, and high school students. Our current programs (Cohort 10 and Cohort 11) serve Central, Eastbrook, Deer Run, Guion Creek, and Snacks Crossing elementary students. We also serve 9th-12th-grade students at Pike High School.
Program Details
Our programs include tutoring, homework assistance, and enrichment activities such as mentoring, STEM, Art, Music, Physical fitness, and social-emotional learning. These activities reinforce what happens during the school day and work collaboratively with school staff to better support youth and achieve positive student outcomes. We also create and expand out-of-school programs that offer extended learning opportunities for youth and their families.
As afterschool program teachers, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth in our students. Beyond just homework completion, we’ve seen them blossom. Our STEM lessons ignite curiosity and problem-solving skills, while computer science fosters critical thinking and digital literacy. Crucially, our SEL focus builds resilience and empathy, equipping them to navigate challenges with confidence. We’ve seen shy students find their voice, struggling learners discover their potential, and a community built on collaboration and mutual respect. It’s a privilege to witness their academic and personal development firsthand.Robin Smith
Media Specialist and Teacher Liaison
Guion Creek Elementary
Grant Timeline
The 21st CCLC grant is for four years. The next RFP will be released on February 28th, and programming will begin in Fall 2026. If your school meets the funding qualification in the RFP and you are interested in partnering with CIESC to apply for Cohort 13, please contact Christine Balak at cbalak@ciesc.org. The timeline for applying is below.
| Date | Action |
| Friday, February 28, 2025 | The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Cohort 13 RFP Template (this resource) is published on IDOE’s Out-of-School Time Programs webpage. |
| Friday, Apr 4, 2025 | The Intent to Apply form is due. |
| April – July 2025 | IDOE staff will host the Grantee Readiness Series for interested Cohort 13 21st CCLC participants. Register for the series here. |
| Friday, August 15, 2025 | Final Cohort 13 RFP applications are due within eCivics. |
| August – October 2025 | IDOE reviews applications and notifies organizations of their RFP status. |
| October – January 2026 | The budget review and contracts period occurs. |
| June 2026 | The 21st CCLC Cohort 13 grantee orientation is held. |
| July 1, 2026 | Cohort 13 grant implementation begins. |
*Funding may be adjusted based on a number of applicants, the quality of the application, and the remaining funds.