21st Century Community Learning Center

 The Department of Education (Department) announces the availability of the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) 2011-12 Request for Proposals (RFP) and the opening of the 2011-12 21st CCLC eGrants online application for Cohort 6.

 The 21st CCLC program is authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (act) (Pub. L. No. 107-110), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The 21st CCLC program provides Federal funding for the establishment of community learning centers that provide academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for children. The 21st CCLC program targets students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools to provide them with aid in meeting State and local academic standards. Programs also offer literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

 Grantees and all sites must provide academic enrichment activities to students attending high-poverty schools to help them meet State and local standards in core content areas, such as reading, math and science.

Application Requirements

 The application for new grants are available at http://egrants.ed.state.pa.us/ and will be due no later than 5 p.m. on November 8, 2011.

Pre-Proposal Conferences To assist eligible entities in completing the RFPs, the Department hosted a series of 21st CCLC onsite and online pre-grant workshops throughout October. Pre-grant workshops were held at the following locations: Appalachia Intermediate Unit #8, Altoona; Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3, Homestead; Midwestern Intermediate Unit #4, Grove City; BLAST Intermediate Unit #17, Williamsport; Northeast Eductional Intermediate Unit #19, Archbald; and Delaware CountyIntermediate Unit #25, Morton.

 Webinar (Online): The October 17, 2011, grant webinar was recorded and archived for viewing by all applicants. The link for the recording is posted for viewing on the Department's web site at http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/21st_century_community_learning_centers/7414

 • Viewable at http://vclass.cciu.org

 • No password is necessary

 • Click on the ''21st Century Community Learning Centers Pre-Grant Workshop'' link to view.

Funding

 In keeping with the 21st CCLC Non-Regulatory Guidance, that larger grants often precipitate more effective programs, applicants may request funds ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $500,000, but cannot exceed $500,000 based upon the $1,200 per student funding formula, which includes administrative and transportation costs. No funds will be available for summer only applicants in this grant round.

Amount of Funding Available:	Approximately $19,000,000
Grant Awards:	Minimum $50,000; maximum $500,000 (per year for 3 years)
Period of Availability for Year 1:	December 1, 2011—September 30, 2012

Eligible Applicants

 Federal law mandates, per section 4203(a)(3) of the act, that any public or private organization may apply for 21st CCLC funding if it proposes to serve:

 1. Students who primarily attend either:

 a. Schools eligible for schoolwide programs under (Title I) Section 1114.

 b. Schools that serve a high percentage of students (at least 40 percent) from low-income families.

 2. The families of those students previously described.

Eligible Participants

 Eligible participants are public, private and nonpublic school students, both boys and girls, prekindergarten through 12th grade. Programs should target the ages and grades deemed to be at greatest risk and those students who are academically below proficiency. It is mandated that eligible entities collaborate with local education agencies when applying for funds.

Application Information

 Detailed information outlining grant terms and conditions, pertinent regulations and the application process is contained in the 2011-12, 21st CCLC RPF, which can be accessed at: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/21st_century_community_learning_centers/7414, the eGrants system at http://egrants.ed.state.pa.us or e-mail a request to RA-21stCCLC@pa.gov

 For additional program information, contact Susan D'Annunzio, 21st CCLC Program Supervisor, Department of Education, 333 Market Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333, (717) 346-3186, fax (717) 783-4392 or sdannunzio@pa.gov.