21ST century community learning centers program

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) received a formula grant award of $20.05M from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program (CFDA 84.287). The award, obligated on July 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026, supports the establishment and expansion of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment and developmental services to school-aged children, particularly those attending high-poverty and low-performing schools.

The 21st CCLC program delivers comprehensive out-of-school time programming including tutoring, homework assistance, mentoring, academic enrichment, and extracurricular activities in arts, music, sports, and cultural areas. As the state education agency recipient, DESE functions as the primary grant recipient and pass-through entity, responsible for sub-awarding funds to local educational agencies, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities throughout Massachusetts. Services operate outside regular school hours to supplement in-school instruction and support student academic achievement and overall development, with DESE maintaining records related to grant funds, compliance, and performance for three years following award completion.