The Vermont Department of Education (VTDOE) invites schools, non-traditional educators, and community-based organizations to apply for 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) partnership grants for the purpose of providing high-quality afterschool learning opportunities for students who attend schools where 40% or more of the students are from low-income families (e.g. lunch assistance, Medicaid eligibility) and where the need for improved student performance is well documented. For the purposes of this competition, the term "afterschool" program refers to learning opportunities (programs, classes, & activities) provided outside the regular school day and may include programs that take place before school, after school, evenings, weekends, summers, or during school vacation days.

VTDOE encourages interested applicants to contact the 21st CCLC State Coordinator for more information on the competition. An estimated $2.5 million will be available for dispersal under this grant competition dependent upon federal funding remaining at its current level. Grants are for 5 years at a minimum of $50,000/year. Bidder's workshops will be held in late August and applications are due January 31, 2008. Awards will be announced by April 1, 2008 with funding to begin on July 1, 2008

Please refer to the Request for Proposals for additional details and application instructions.

Thank you

Holly Morehouse

VT 21st CCLC State Coordinator

Vermont Department of Education

120 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05620

holly.morehouse@state.vt.us

(802) 828-0619