New federal money is available for eligible South Carolina schools and organizations who want to sponsor afterschool programs.

As part of the No Child Left Behind Act, South Carolina will award approximately $7.5 million in 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants for the 2009- 10 school year.

Grant funds are available for eligible school districts/ schools, faith- based organizations, communitybased organizations, non- profits, for- profits, institutions of higher education and city or county government agencies. Applications must include a partnership between a school district/school and at least one other public or private organization as noted above.

Applications can be downloaded at the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program web page. A notice of intent is due by February 20, 2009 and all applications are due on or before Friday, April 17, 2009 at 5 pm.

Questions about grant training should be directed to Alisa Lindsay Jones at 734- 8369 or alindsay@ed.sc.gov.