21ST century community learning centers program

The Maryland State Department of Education received a $22.6 million formula grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Program (CFDA 84.287), awarded July 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2026. This funding supports the establishment and expansion of community learning centers that provide comprehensive out-of-school time programming to school-aged children, particularly those attending high-poverty and low-performing schools. Services include academic enrichment, tutoring, homework assistance, mentoring, and extracurricular activities in arts, music, sports, and cultural areas designed to supplement in-school instruction and support overall student development.

MSDE functions as the pass-through entity, distributing funds to numerous local implementing organizations across Maryland, including school districts (Montgomery County Public Schools, Howard County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Schools, Wicomico County Board of Education, and Worcester County Public Schools), nonprofit organizations (Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, YMCA of Central Maryland, Living Classrooms Foundation, US Dream Academy Inc.), community-based entities (Child Thrive Inc., 360 Degree Development Institute Inc., The Arc of Prince George's County), and minority-owned small businesses (Better Than School Enterprises LLC, Community Youth Advance Inc., Achieve Tutoring LLC). These sub-awardees directly deliver out-of-school time programming, academic enrichment, mentoring, and youth development services to students in their respective communities throughout Maryland.