November 2025

OST Funding Opportunity:

21CCLC Applications Open!

The Iowa Department of Education has opened the FY26 application cycle for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant. This funding supports the creation and expansion of high-quality out-of-school time programs that provide youth with safe, enriching learning opportunities when school is not in session.

Schools, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, nonprofits, government agencies, and consortiums serving communities with at least 40 percent of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch are encouraged to apply. Applicants may request up to $300,000 per year in a five-year grant cycle. Funding may be used for staffing, enrichment activities, field trips, food, and other program needs.

The 21st CCLC grant is funded through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title IV, Part B. Applications are due December 31st, 2025 by 4pm CT.

FY26 Request for Applications

Application Link: https://www.iowa21cclc.com/rfa-apply

FY26 21CCLC Grant Applications Submission Deadline:

December 31st, 2025 - 4pm CT

December Virtual Technical Assistance Session

Iowa Department of Education's Joe Collins will be hosting a virtual technical assistance session for interested grant applicants on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 from 9am until 11am.

Zoom Link for Technical Assistance

Afterschool Assets

Iowa 4-H Youth Development receives grant to support early literacy skill development in all Iowa counties!

A new grant from Iowa Total Care will expand literacy support for Iowa 4-H Clover Kids in all of Iowa's counties. Through this partnership, Iowa 4-H will introduce new literacy resources that connect reading with youth health and wellness concepts. Each Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county office will receive a toolkit.

Contact your local County Extension & Outreach office to learn more!

Computer Science Education Week: Dec. 8-14, 2025

CSEdWeek is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.

Celebrate Iowa CSEdWeek with the Iowa Department of Education!

Afterschool Tech Toolkit

Afterschool programs provide support, connection, and a safe place to learn. With the right training, staff can help students use technology responsibly and build digital citizenship outside regular classroom hours.

Discover strategies to help students access powerful technology tools beyond the school day with the Afterschool Tech Toolkit.

Mizzen

Mizzen is a digital platform of practitioner-built learning resources that offers thousands of K-12 activities that spark curiosity, joy, and a love of learning for young people everywhere - FOR FREE.

To access these invaluable resources, create your free account at mizzen.org and filter by publisher.

Share Your Voice!

The Afterschool Alliance wants to hear from you!

Afterschool Alliance has launched their program provider survey, collecting data on supports provided and challenges faced. New questions have been added on the impact of the summer withholding of funds and the current government shutdown.

Complete survey by Monday, November 24th to be entered into a drawing!

Professional Development

IAA is planning 2026 Professional Development Webinars.

Do you have any suggestions for topics?

Send your ideas over to Adriana Slaughter at aslaughter@iowaafterschoolalliance.org!

Save the Date!

2026 Iowa Afterschool Alliance Day on the Hill

Wednesday, January 14th, 2026

Noon to 3pm

Iowa State Capitol Rotunda

Happy Thanksgiving from the Iowa Afterschool Alliance!

Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving surrounded by community and care!