GRANTS FOR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS NOW AVAILABLE

The State Department of Education will award $1.8 million in grants to fund afterschool programs across the state for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year. Now is the time for school districts and other organizations to apply. 

The funding is available through the federal 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (21^st CCLC) program, which is designed to provide academic enrichment opportunities, art, music, recreation, sports, drug and violence prevention, and youth development activities to students during non-school hours.  The State Department of Education currently funds 98 afterschool centers throughout Idaho, which serve a total of 6,567 Idaho youth daily.

“Afterschool programs are a great way to connect the school with its families and community and support school improvement efforts,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna. “The 21st CCLC program is an opportunity for Idaho’s schools to seek additional funding that supports extended learning time for the most at-risk students. This program aligns well with all of the initiatives Idaho has put in place to ensure students graduate from high school prepared to go on to postsecondary education and the workforce.”

School districts, municipalities, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and private corporations are eligible for these grants. Successful applicants will receive funding for up to five years. Grant applications are due January 25, 2013.

Those considering applying for funding are strongly encouraged to attend a Bidder’s Workshop. The following workshops are open to any interested party:  

• Thursday, November 1: Red Lion Hotel, 1357 Blue Lakes, Twin Falls
• Friday, November 2: Pocatello School District Office, 3115 Poleline Rd, Pocatello  
• Friday, November 9: Coeur d’Alene School District Mid Town Center, 1505 N 5^th St, Coeur d’Alene
• Thursday, November 15: Weiser High School Library, 690 W Indianhead Rd, Weiser
• Friday, November 16: State Department of Education offices, 650 W State St., 2^nd floor, Boise

 All workshops will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a one hour lunch break. All workshops are free.

To register for the workshops or to view the grant application, visit http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/cclc/grants.htm or call (208) 332-6960. Participants are expected to download and review the application prior to the workshop. 

If you need more information, please contact Camille McCashland, Program Specialist, at (208) 332-6960.