About Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC)
About the Program Model
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers is a U.S. Department of Education program, administered by the states, supporting out-of-school time learning opportunities for students in high-poverty, low-performing areas. The Iowa Department of Education administers 21CCLC funding in Iowa through grant competitions. 21CCLC programs focus on:

Academic Support
Helping students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects

Academic Enrichment
Providing activities that complement learning from the school day

Parent Engagement
Offering literacy and educational services to the families of participating students
2021 by the
Numbers

45
Grants
26
Entities
-to-

495
Paid & Unpaid Partnerships

92
Sites

7,322
Students Served School Year and Summer
Funding
Requested & Awarded

13
Applications
$7 Million
Requested
$5.6 Million
Awarded
Average Request: $539,663 | Request Range: $337,500 – $896,400
are students
with a disability
State = 4%
Of the 7,322 Students:
are categorized Limited English Proficient
State = 7%
average free or reduced price lunch rate
State = 13%

73%

9%

17%
Regular Attendance*

47%
Iowa in 2020
Iowa in Past Years:
59% in 2020
83% in 2018
68% in 2016
64% in 2014
Statewide Staff : Student Ratio**

1:13 without volunteers

21CCLC Map
47%
are certified teachers

69%
Iowa received less federal funding for this program than the previous year. Several programs had substantial declines due to grants expiring and we do not track sustainability in this dataset.
Sources:
Data is compiled using federal and state sources
* Based on attendance of 30 days or more over the school year.
** Indicates number from the previous year of reporting.
*** The Wallace Foundation recommends $1,200 per student. The Iowa 21CCLC average annual cost is only possible through community partnerships.
Additional Info
The Iowa Afterschool Alliance supports the Iowa Network of Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) programs through technical assistance and resource sharing.