FY27 0647 Massachusetts 21st Century Community Learning Centers Supporting Additional Learning Time

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is soliciting proposals for the FY27 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program to support out-of-school time programming during the school year and summer, with proposals due September 14, 2026 — the same date as posting.

Eligible applicants are school districts, educational collaboratives, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations capable of delivering comprehensive programming. All vendor staff or subcontractors who may have direct and unmonitored contact with children, work with students, or work in educational settings must pass criminal offender record information (CORI) background checks; vendors must notify DESE of staffing changes and any issues affecting personnel eligibility before new staff commence work.

The program supports implementation of project-based learning and enrichment activities that deepen academic and social-emotional learning and help students develop knowledge and skills for postsecondary success. Proposals must detail target populations, program activities, partnerships, budgets, and sustainability plans according to RFP specifications. Evaluation criteria include program quality, evidence-based practices, organizational capacity, fiscal management, and demonstrated community need; the RFP outlines specific performance metrics and reporting requirements for student attendance, academic outcomes, and program quality.

Funding is derived from U.S. Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers appropriations and supports multi-year programming commitments. Selected applicants will receive multi-year funding agreements with specific performance expectations, audit requirements, and annual reporting obligations to maintain federal compliance. All materials and deliverables developed using Commonwealth funds become DESE property unless otherwise specified. All digital assets and deliverables must meet Commonwealth Digital Accessibility Standards, including WCAG 2.1 levels A and AA; vendors must cooperate with digital accessibility testing at no additional cost. Federally funded projects require vendors to provide access to books and records to both the Commonwealth and federal funding sources upon request.