21ST century community learning centers program

The Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded the South Carolina Department of Education $19.302 million under the Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers program on July 1, 2026. The funding supports the establishment and expansion of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment activities for children, particularly those attending high-poverty and low-performing schools. These centers offer literacy and other educational services to families of participating children and help students meet state and local academic achievement standards in core subjects including reading and math.

The South Carolina Department of Education, the state educational agency recipient, administers this formula grant through sub-awards to local educational agencies, community-based organizations, and other public or private entities within South Carolina. Performance occurs in Columbia, South Carolina, with a period of performance through September 30, 2027. The award is classified as a formula grant and carries a three-year record retention requirement following grant completion.