GRANTS AND RESOURCES

 

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Federal Initiative

About the Initiative

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for the Pre-K through 12th grade age group, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program is designed to help students meet state and local academic standards in subjects such as reading and math. It is designed to offers students a variety of enrichment activities that can complement their regular school programming. It is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to supporting local afterschool, before-school and summer school programming. 

The program serves nearly 1.4 million families through grants awarded by state education agencies.  Each state receives funds based on its share of Title I funding for low-income students. Grants are managed at the state level and support local schools, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, charter schools, park and recreation departments, and more that provide afterschool and summer learning programs to students attending high-poverty, low-performing schools.

 

21st CCLC provides:

  • Academic enrichment activities that can help students meet state and local achievement standards, particularly in literacy and math.

  • A wide range of enrichment services meant to complement the regular academic program, such as career and technical education programs, literacy programs, art, music, STEM programs, physical activity, and nutrition education.

 

The funding level for 21st CCLC is set each year by Congress in an appropriations bill that is then signed into law by the president. Please visit the U.S. Department of Education website to learn more.

 

Kid Spark Education for STEM Enrichment

Kid Spark’s STEM programs have a proven success record in 21st CCLCs. In fact, Kid Spark is offered throughout the State of Deleware in all of their 21st CCLC sites. Click here to learn more about this partnership.

 

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Through the support of Kid Spark Education and our partnership with the University of Delaware, 21st Century Community Learning Centers across the state received state-of-the-art equipment as well as hands-on professional development to prepare staff to lead exciting STEM lessons. These are the kind of out-of-school time enrichment activities our students need and love, and I appreciate the collaboration that has made this possible.

Mark Holodick, Delaware Secretary of Education

How you can get funding:

Your state’s Department of Education offers 21st CCLC funding through a grants process. Visit your state’s Department of Education website to learn more.

 

How we can help:

Kid Spark Education supports schools, districts, and youth-serving organizations in planning and implementing effective STEM programs that align with 21st CCLC goals. Whether you’re applying for funding for an afterschool or summer program, or building out a comprehensive STEM learning experience, we’re here to help. 

Schedule a Call with a Program Specialist

Ready to plan a successful STEM Program for your school or afterschool program?

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About Kid Spark STEM Programs

Kid Spark offers comprehensive Pre-K through 8th Grade STEM programs that explore a range of STEM topic areas, which can be taught in a traditional classroom setting or in an after-school setting. All Kid Spark programs include everything schools or informal learning providers need to successfully launch a STEM program, including products, curriculum, and professional development for educators.

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Foundational STEM Fluencies

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Applied Mathematics

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Mechanical & Structural Engineering

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Rapid Prototyping & 3D Printing

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Coding & Robotics

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Innovation & Invention

Whats Included - Curriculum

Curriculum

A progressive, engineering and computer-science based curriculum including teacher lesson plans, student workbooks, design challenges, evaluation rubrics, interactive coding tutorials (2nd-8th Grade only), and unit assessments.

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STEM LABS

Kid Spark STEM Labs feature diverse, reusable engineering and robotics materials that effortlessly cater to various STEM concepts across multiple grade levels. These materials are sturdy, user-friendly, and perfect for collaborative learning and invention.

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Professional Learning

Through targeted training and support, we ensure that educators not only gain expertise but also the confidence to implement impactful STEM learning in their classrooms or informal spaces. Kid Spark is committed to ensuring ongoing program success by providing continuous support each year.

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We help children learn and love STEM

Kid Spark Education is one of the only organizations in the United States focused on STEM solutions for the youngest learners facing the greatest barriers to STEM education.

Learn more about our STEM education solutions, our STEM Grants Initiative, and how to partner with us.

STEM Education Solutions

STEM Education Solutions
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STEM Grants Initiative

STEM Grants Initiative
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Partnerships

Partnerships
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