21ST century community learning centers program

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education received a $18.97 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 (21st CCLC) program (CFDA 84.287) for the period July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This award 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 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 primary recipient and pass-through entity, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education distributed funds to 38 sub-awardees comprising local school districts, nonprofit organizations, and community-based entities. Sub-recipients include school districts (Fredericktown R-I, Jennings, North Mercer R-III, Exeter R-VI, West County R-4, Hollister R-V, Dallas County R-1, Laquey R-5, Lebanon R-III, Cape Girardeau, Gasconade County, Arcadia Valley R-II, Kennett 39, and others), community organizations (Boys & Girls Clubs of various locations, Camp Fire Heartland, The Soulfisher Ministries), and youth development nonprofits (Mission: ST. Louis, Interfaith Community Services, Unleashing Potential, North Missouri Center for Youth & Families). These sub-awardees implement after-school learning centers and academic enrichment programs targeting low-income and underperforming school populations across Missouri.