Many states around the country are conducting competitions to award 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. The State Contact List now includes links to State websites and application due dates.

Each eligible entity that receives an award from the state may use the funds to carry out a broad array of before- and after-school activities (including those held during summer recess periods) to advance student achievement. These activities include:

• Remedial education activities and academic enrichment learning programs, including those which provide additional assistance to students to allow the students to improve their academic achievement;
• Mathematics and science education activities;
• Arts and music education activities;
• Entrepreneurial education programs;
• Tutoring services, including those provided by senior citizen volunteers, and mentoring programs;
• Programs that provide after-school activities for limited English proficient (LEP) students and that emphasize language skills and academic achievement;
• Recreational activities;
• Telecommunications and technology education programs;
• Expanded library service hours;
• Programs that promote parental involvement and family literacy;
• Programs that provide assistance to students who have been truant, suspended, or expelled to allow them to improve their academic achievement;
• Drug and violence prevention programs;
• Counseling programs; and
• Character education programs.