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The Title IV, Part B - Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program provides grants to schools, community-based, faith-based, and/or non-profit organizations as partners for the establishment of community learning centers to keep children safe while providing academic and enrichment activities during after-school hours.
The overarching goal of the state-administered federal program is to establish or expand community learning centers during non-school hours, providing students with academic and enrichment opportunities, as well as supportive services necessary to help them achieve academically and develop socially, emotionally, physically and behaviorally.
The grants are intended for schools eligible for Title I Schoolwide Program funds, where at least 40 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
Title IV, Part B Guidance (46.54 KB) .pdf
Iowa 21st CCLC Community Partners List (113.44 KB) .xlsx
Back to topBeware of Free Grant Writing
There are companies that operate online, offering “free” grant writing services that are not free. Some require you to sign a contract before receiving an award that asks you to purchase from a third party in exchange for their services if awarded.
However, you cannot use grant funds before you receive the award, and any purchases must be allowable. Agreements entered into before you receive a grant award are not payable with 21st Century Community Learning funds. We recommend that you contact your attorney before entering into any agreements.
From Evaluation Guidelines in RFA: No more than 4% of each program's total budget can be used for local evaluation efforts. You may NOT use grant funds to pay for grant writing or make purchases, enter into any contract, or incur expenses before you have a signed grant agreement. – pg. 22 of Iowa RFA
Example: If you receive an award of $100,000, you may spend up to $4,000 on local evaluation.
Grant writing expenses are paid with your funds and are not reimbursable with grant funds.
Back to topFY26 Grant Application Timeline & Application Update
- September 15, 2025 – The optional Letter of Intent to Apply (LOI) survey opens for any parties interested in applying for 21CCLC funding in Iowa.
- Survey link (Closes at 4:00 PM CST on 11/14/25)
- September 25, 2025 – Department staff will provide a brief overview of the 21CCLC program in Iowa and offer additional information and guidance on the application process for the 2026-2027 academic year award period.
- Impact Afterschool Conference – Workshop session provided at the Olmstead Center on the Drake University campus.
- October 09, 2025 – A training session for current awardees and those interested in becoming a local program evaluator (annual independent evaluations are a requirement of the grant).
- November–December 2025 – Technical Assistance Webinars
- Virtual Office Hours
- Session #1: Monday, Nov. 17 from 1 – 3 PM CST
- Session 1 Zoom Link (Meeting ID: 882 6600 5017, Passcode: 857120)
- Session #2: Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 9–11 AM CST
- Session 2 Zoom Link (Meeting ID: 861 1571 8605, Passcode: 052330)
- Session #1: Monday, Nov. 17 from 1 – 3 PM CST
- Virtual Office Hours
- December 31, 2025 – Grant Application Due Date
Note: Please review the following resources before beginning the Iowa 21CCLC online application.
- 21CCLC Instructions for the Application (1.69 MB) .pdf - Complete Application Packet and Budget Form D1.
- Form D1 (39.66 KB) .xlsx - To be uploaded when you apply.
- Form D1S (154.14 KB) .pdf - Optional, but helpful summary of funding request
- Form D2 (51.24 KB) .xlsx - No longer required, but useful for sustainability planning.
- Form D1 (39.66 KB) .xlsx - To be uploaded when you apply.
- Include the following attachments:
- 21st CCLC Communications Template (130.52 KB) .pdf (to be uploaded when you apply)
- 21st CCLC Assurances and Agreements (170.59 KB) .pdf (to be uploaded when you apply)
- Sustainability Planning & History Template (206.71 KB) .pdf (to be uploaded by prior grantees)
- Collaborative Signature List (111.28 KB) .pdf (to be uploaded when you apply)
- Include 5 MOUs to document your community partners
- Request for Competitive Priority (159.87 KB) .pdf - To be uploaded when you apply.
- Nonpublic School Consultation Meeting Log (146.4 KB) .pdf
- Minority Impact Statement (172.6 KB) .pdf - Required for all Iowa Grants
- Sustainability Planning and MOU Template (273.92 KB) .pdf
When you have reviewed these documents, you may begin the application.
Timeline:
- December 2025–January 2026 – Grant reviewers read and score applications for funding.
- January 2026 – Application reviewed by Department staff for compliance.
- February 2026 – Grant reviewers conference.
- April 2026 – Grant awards announced.
- May–June 2026 – Grant contracts finalized.
- July 1, 2026 – Program implementation may begin immediately with summer programming or with the beginning of the school year in August/September.
FY26 Request for Applications
The items listed below are for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers FY26 (Fall 2025).
21CCLC Request for Applications (RFA) Checklist (158.7 KB) .pdf
21st Century Community Learning Centers Instructions for the Application (1.69 MB) .pdf (Read this before you begin the RFA)
21st Century Community Learning Centers RFA (359.4 KB) .pdf – Complete Application Packet
Iowa 21CCLC RFA Rubric (269.86 KB) .pdf – How points are awarded by Grant Reviewers
Request for Competitive Priority (159.87 KB) .pdf
U.S. Census Bureau (To document a rural location)
21st CCLC Communications Template (130.52 KB) .pdf (To be uploaded when you apply.)
21st CCLC Assurances and Agreements (170.59 KB) .pdf (To be uploaded when you apply.)
Previous Sustainability Form (206.71 KB) .pdf (To be uploaded by prior grantees.)
MOU summary and Template (273.92 KB) .pdf
Collaborative Signature (111.28 KB) .pdf (To be uploaded when you apply.)
Community Partner Official Notice (139.11 KB) .pdf
Legal Status of Applicant (119.2 KB) .pdf
Additional Information:
Application Financial Guidance (308.35 KB) .pdf
Guide to Program Budgets and Accounting (781.77 KB) .docx
Iowa 21st Century Funding Estimator (18.99 KB) .xlsx (Use this spreadsheet to calculate your award.)
Appendix A Practice Lists (163.53 KB) .pdf
Appendix B Definitions (208.66 KB) .pdf
Appendix C Contractual Terms (229.85 KB) .pdf
Appendix D Iowa Site Monitoring Documentation Form (241.7 KB) .pdf
Appendix E Iowa Comprehensive Site Visit for 21st CCLC (340.98 KB) .pdf
Appendix F - Partnerships for Adult Literacy (114.03 KB) .pdf
Appendix G - Sustainability Plan and MOU Template (273.92 KB) .pdf
Appendix H - Research (149.91 KB) .pdf
Appendix I - 21st Century Guide to Iowa Program Budgets (322.1 KB) .pdf
Appendix J - After the Peer Review Process - Federal (160.09 KB) .pdf
Appendix J -1 - After the Peer Review Process - Iowa (144.35 KB) .pdf
Appendix J - 2 - Competitive Grant Appeal Process (175.21 KB) .pdf
Appendix J - 3 Competitive Grant Appeal Process (124.37 KB) .pdf
Appendix K - Data Collection Authority for the 21CCLC (179.3 KB) .pdf
Appendix L - Guidance for the Completion of the Minority Impact Statement (113.53 KB) .pdf
Appendix M - IAA Role of Advisory Boards in AS Programs (479.86 KB) .pdf
Appendix M - 1 IAA Advisory Board Planning Worksheet (217.04 KB) .pdf
Appendix N - Iowa 21CCLC Student Needs Assessment (126.55 KB) .pdf
Appendix O - Non Public School Consultation Guidance (137.36 KB) .pdf
Appendix P - Office of Inspector General Grant Fraud (85.71 KB) .pdf
Back to topEvaluation and Professional Development Support
Evaluation Support
Local Evaluation Guidelines (136.27 KB) .pdf
Local Evaluation Form (124.84 KB) .docx (Required for all local evaluations.)
Monitoring of Evaluation Guidance (286.59 KB) .pdf
Iowa Local Evaluator Timeline (107.68 KB) .pdf
The required objectives are now the GPRA measures.
Grantees are encouraged to add local objectives in their evaluations. This data will be considered anecdotal since it will not be consistent with other grantees. However, it is still important to your local evaluation.
A GOOD local evaluation should follow this formula:
GPRA measures + Local objectives + Success Stories + Pictures + other good data = A well-developed evaluation.
The new APR data system (which replaced the PPICS) does not have the same reporting functions as the previous system. To aggregate data and to provide a uniform reporting of local evaluation data, this form is required. Local evaluations may add additional facts and data and append them to this form.
Teacher Survey Student Evaluation Questions (This is a short version of the teacher survey, with only the required GPRA measures.) You should include this in your local evaluation.
Teacher Survey (38.61 KB) .pdf (required for all local evaluations)
Professional Development Support
Iowa requires that no less than 5% be spent on professional development. This is monitored by the SEA (Items 6G and 6H) on the On-Site Monitoring Form. In response to numerous visits, a template was created to assist grantees with their Professional Development plans.
The Iowa Afterschool Alliance visits all new grantees to assist them with staff development needs and will assist in developing a professional development plan. The IAA will contact new grantees and arrange a suitable date for their Best Practice visit.
21CCLC PD Activity Report (29.5 KB) .xlsx (a PD plan is required for grantees)
Back to topChildren with Disabilities and 21st CCLC Programming
Iowa 21 CCLC and Children with Disabilities Guidance (171.03 KB) .pdf - Explains the responsibilities for providing children with disabilities with an equal opportunity for participation in 21st Century Community Learning Centers programming and other before-school and after-school programs operated by school districts.
Back to topActivities of Before- and After-School Programs
Each eligible organization that receives an award may use the funds to carry out a broad array of before- and after-school activities (or activities during other times when school is not in session) that advance student achievement.
- Remedial education activities and academic enrichment learning programs, including providing additional assistance to students to allow them to improve their academic achievement
- Literacy activities
- Tutoring services (including those provided by senior citizen volunteers) and mentoring programs; to reduce achievement gaps for at-risk children
- Programs that provide after-school activities for limited English proficient students that emphasize language skills and academic achievement
- Mathematics and science education activities
- Arts and music and cultural education activities
- Entrepreneurial education programs, Employment preparation or training
- Physical Fitness, Nutritional Education and Recreational Activities
- Drug and violence prevention programs. Counseling, character and behavior education
- Youth leadership and character-building activities
- Volunteer and community service opportunities
- College awareness and preparation
- Homework assistance centers
- Mentoring and service-learning projects
- Activities linked to law enforcement
- Supervised field trips, recreation and enrichment programs and events
Grant Program and Awards
Cohorts VII-XX: Iowa provides a 5-year grant. In years 4 and 5, funding is reduced by 25%, and we hold a sustainability meeting as part of the Comprehensive Site visit by the Iowa Department of Education.
Cohorts I-VI: Entities eligible to receive Iowa’s grant funds for a period of five (5) years have been expanded to include local educational agencies (LEAs), cities, counties, community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), non-profit organizations (NPOs), or a consortium of two or more such agencies, organizations or entities. Applicants are required to plan their programs through a collaborative process that includes parents, youth, and representatives of participating schools or local educational agencies, governmental agencies (e.g., cities, counties, parks and recreation departments), community organizations, and the private sector.
Grant Award - Cohort XX 2025-2030 (264.04 KB) .pdf
Grant Award - Cohort XIX 2024-2029 (218.08 KB) .pdf
Grant Award - Cohort XVIII 2023-2028 (227.52 KB) .pdf
Grant Award - Cohort XVII 2022-2027 (209.23 KB) .pdf
Grant Award - Cohort XVI 2021-2026 (184.62 KB) .pdf
Grant Award - Cohort XV 2020-2025 (141.99 KB) .pdf
Grant Award - Cohort XIV 2019-2023 (182.86 KB) .pdf
Grant Award - Cohort XIII 2018-2022 (104.82 KB) .pdf
Grant Award - Cohort XII 2017-2019 (233.15 KB) .pdf
Grant Awards - Cohort XI 2016-2019 (232.46 KB) .pdf
Grant Awards - Cohort X 2015-2018 (191.09 KB) .pdf
Grant Awards - Cohort IX 2014-2017 (114.75 KB) .pdf
Grant Awards - Cohort VIII 2013-2016 (372.65 KB) .pdf
Grant Awards - Cohort VII 2012-2015 (249.35 KB) Archived .pdf
Grant Awards - Cohort VI 2010-2015 (61.56 KB) Archived .pdf
Grant Awards - Cohort V 2009-2014 (140.18 KB) .pdf
Grant Awards - Cohort IV 2008-2013 (7.63 KB) Archived .pdf
Grant Awards - Cohort III 2007-2012 (7.17 KB) Archived .pdf
Back to topState Evaluation
Every year, 21st CCLC grantees are required to submit basic information about the characteristics associated with their programs and the outcomes they achieved as a result of providing services to students and adult family members attending their programs. This data includes activities, attendance, partners/subcontractors, staffing, and the math and reading proficiency levels of regular attendees. This data is collected by the Iowa Department of Education, submitted to a federal data collection system and publicly posted on the program website.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2012 (2.9 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, surveys, and PPICS.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2013 (1.64 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, surveys, and PPICS.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2014 (2.56 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, surveys, and PPICS.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2015 (1.83 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, and the federal APR data system.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2016 (4.41 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, and the federal APR data system.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2017 (6.54 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, and the federal APR data system.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2018 (6.52 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, and the federal APR data system.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2019 (6.52 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, and the federal APR data system.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2020 (4.39 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, and the federal APR data system.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2021 (6.78 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, and the federal APR data system.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2022 (9.21 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, and the federal APR data system.
Iowa Afterschool Report 2023 (6.41 MB) .pdf - Evaluation data from grantees, site visits, and the federal APR data system.
Back to topAfterschool Resources
SEDL National Center for Quality Afterschool
American Institutes for Research - Building Quality in Afterschool
US Dept. of Education - Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation - Advancing Afterschool
Back to top