Explore New Grant Opportunities For North Dakota Schools

The application process for 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants totaling approximately $3.5 million for the 2025–2026 academic year opened Wednesday, according to State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler.

In addition to activities that supplement standard classroom offerings, the 21st CCLCs provide chances for students to learn and receive instruction in reading, arithmetic, and other essential topics outside of regular school hours.

A minimum of seven hours of programming per week must be provided on average by qualified agencies and organizations. They must cooperate with educational institutions where a sizable portion of the student body comes from low-income households.

For a period of five years, starting July 1, awards with a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $350,000 are available. The availability of funds determines the annual grant process. The application deadline is June 10 at 12:01 p.m. Applicants can submit theirs using the WebGrants website of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

School districts, regional education associations, nonprofits, and city or county government agencies are all eligible to apply for grants from the NDDPI.

Organizations without an active 21st CCLC grant or those whose current grant award expires on June 30 are eligible to apply for this new grant round.

The NDDPI will have an application workshop starting at 10 a.m. Central time on April 29th. The presentation will include an overview of the WebGrants website, instructions on how to apply, and details about the 21st CCLC program. You must register for the workshop, which you can do here.

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In addition to offering programs to promote career credentials, internships, and workforce development for high school students, applicants are advised to concentrate on initiatives to lower absenteeism for grades 6–12 and to teach computer science and cybersecurity.