(Idaho Department of Education Press Release, February 20, 2026)
BOISE – Local education agencies and community-based organizations in Idaho are again invited to apply for funding to support out-of-school programming with the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant program. The Idaho Department of Education will award approximately $1.5 million in five-year grants to operate programs in the 2026 – 2027 school year.
The CCLC grant program helps schools to provide academic and social enrichment opportunities during out-of-school hours with a broad array of additional services, such as literacy, STEM, art, music, drug prevention, and youth development activities that complement existing academic programs. Federal funds are made available through Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and are administered by the Idaho Department of Education. Currently, the 21st CCLC program funds 41 grants that serve 88 schools statewide.
Applications for the latest round of grant funding will open March 6. Local education agencies, community-based organizations, tribal organizations, and other public and private organizations are eligible to apply.
Organizations interested in applying for grant funding are invited to attend one of two Idaho Department of Education-hosted Request for Application virtual workshops to learn more about the grant program and application process.
- February 25 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. MT | Register here
- February 27 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. MT | Register here
For additional information and to access application guidance and an application scoring rubric, please visit the 21st Century Community Learning Centers webpage on the Idaho Department of Education website at https://www.sde.idaho.gov/
Applicants seeking additional information can contact Sheena Strickler or Christian Brown at: sstrickler@sde.idaho.gov or cbrown@sde.idaho.gov. Applications are due to the Idaho Department of Education by April 3.
