Wyoming Department of Education Announces Grant Possibilities

The Wyoming Department of Education has stated that two grants that are now being accepted. The following are two releases from the WDE in regards to the grants.

21st Century supplemental funds grants now being accepted

Competitive grant applications for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers for after-school programming are now being accepted. Approximately $134,958 will be available to support after-school programming under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21 CCLC) federal grant program.

The purpose of the 21 CCLC program is to establish or expand community learning centers that provide enrichment opportunities along with activities designed to complement the regular academic program of students during those times when school is not in session (before and after school, holidays, weekends or summer recess).

Centers can be located in elementary or secondary schools or other similarly accessible community facilities and provide a range of high-quality services to support student learning and development.

Those services may include tutoring and mentoring, homework help, academic enrichment, music, arts, sports, cultural activities and community service opportunities. At the same time, centers help parents by providing a safe environment for students during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session.

Any current 21 CCLC grantee is eligible to apply for the 21 CCLC Supplemental Funds Grant. Priority will be given to programs that have experienced funding cuts which have significantly decreased their ability to provide services. Additionally, priority will be given to programs that have significantly enhanced or expanded their services beyond their approved grant application to meet growing community demand.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Application and Project Guidelines can be found on the WDE website at http://edu.wyoming.gov/Programs/safety/21st_century_cclc_program.aspx.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Amber Ash, 21 CCLC Program Manager, at 307.777.5332.

NASA STEM Learning Communities grants now being accepted

Competitive grant applications for the NASA STEM Learning Communities are now being accepted. Approximately $25,000 will be available to support STEM programming in after-school programs under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) federal grant program.

The NASA STEM Learning Communities program supports the expansion of 21st Century Community Learning Centers Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programming. The purpose of this program is to help students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, such as mathematics and science, and offer students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement the regular academic programs.

Any current 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant recipient in Wyoming is eligible to apply for the NASA STEM Learning Communities grant.

Priority will be given to applications that propose to provide services at least once per week through their existing afterschool programs during the academic year. Additionally, priority will be given to applications that propose to serve students through afterschool programs both during the school year and during the summer.

Consistent with federal legislation, the Wyoming Department of Education must give priority to those applications that primarily serve students who attend schools that are eligible as Title I school wide programs, and/or 40 percent or more of the student population is eligible to receive free or reduced price lunch.

The NASA STEM Learning Communities Grant Application and Project Guidelines can be found on the WDE website at http://edu.wyoming.gov/.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Amber Ash, 21 CCLC Program Manager, at 307.777.5332.