Hello Afterschool Community,
The Mississippi Statewide Afterschool Network (MSAN) is thrilled to share a significant announcement from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), Office of Federal Programs: the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Cohort 9 grant!
This federal funding opportunity is a cornerstone for establishing and enhancing vital afterschool programs that provide critical academic enrichment, diverse activities, and essential support services for students and their families across Mississippi. We encourage all eligible organizations to explore how this grant can empower your work and make a lasting impact in your community.
Table of Contents
- What is the 21st CCLC Program?
- Who is Eligible to Apply?
- Key Dates for Your Calendar
- Get Support: Conferences & Roadshows
- Have Questions? Contact MDE
What is the 21st CCLC Program?
The 21st CCLC program provides federal funding to establish or expand community learning centers that offer academic enrichment during non-school hours. This focus is particularly on students attending high-poverty and low-performing schools.
The goals of the program are clear:
- To help students meet state and local academic standards.
- To offer a broad array of enrichment activities that complement the regular academic program.
- To provide literacy and educational services to families of participating students.
The full RFP is now available directly on the MDE Bid Announcements webpage under the Request for Proposals/Qualifications/Applications – Grants section. You can also read it by clicking below.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
A diverse range of organizations committed to supporting Mississippi’s students and communities are eligible to apply for this funding. This includes:
- Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
- Nonprofit organizations
- Community-based and faith-based organizations
- Institutions of higher education
- For-profit corporations
- City or county government agencies
Key Dates for Your Calendar
Mark these important deadlines and events to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity:
- June 3, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.: Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference
- June 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.: Deadline for Submitting Questions
- June 11, 2025: Q&A Posted on MDE Website
- June 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.: PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE
- August 21, 2025: State Board of Education Approval
Get Support: Conferences & Roadshows
The MDE Office of Federal Programs is dedicated to supporting potential applicants throughout the process. MSAN strongly encourages you to take advantage of these resources:
- Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference: Join MDE on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. While not required, this conference offers a comprehensive understanding of the program and proposal process.
Register for Virtual Conference
- Regional Roadshows: MDE will host a series of in-person sessions to provide an overview of the RFP process. These are excellent opportunities for guidance on application requirements, program expectations, and components of a strong proposal, plus direct Q&A with the 21st CCLC team.
- May 29, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Mississippi Department of Education Board Room, Jackson, MS
- June 5, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Gulfport, MS
- June 5, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Hancock Leadership Center, Tupelo, MS
- May 29, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Have Questions? Contact MDE
For any questions related to the RFP or the 21st CCLC program, please contact the MDE Office of Federal Programs directly:
- RFP-related questions: Contact Chris Ranson at cranson@mdek12.org (please include “Cohort 9 21st CCLC RFP” in the subject line).
- General program inquiries: Contact Mrs. Porsha Jordan, State 21st CCLC Coordinator, at pjordan@mdek12.org.
The Mississippi Statewide Afterschool Network is committed to supporting your efforts to secure this vital funding. We encourage you to review the RFP thoroughly, attend the support sessions, and submit a strong proposal. This grant represents a significant opportunity to continue fostering growth and success for Mississippi’s students and their families.