---
title: "Missouri Afterschool Programs: Grant Applications Now Open"
description: Office of Childhood Grant Opportunities Are Back!
---

[Partner Publication | Child Care Aware of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication)

# [Missouri Afterschool Programs: Grant Applications Now Open](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/moocu-missouri-afterschool-programs-grant-applications-now-open)

 Written by [Child Care Aware® of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/author/child-care-aware-of-missouri) | Mar 17, 2026, 1:35:53 AM

Afterschool Grant Opportunities Now Open

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Childhood has announced two competitive grant opportunities for organizations that provide school-age afterschool programming. These grants support high-quality programs that help children stay engaged in learning and provide safe, enriching environments during out-of-school time.

The following grant opportunities are currently open:

- **21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant** – Supports programs that offer academic enrichment opportunities for students during non-school hours.
- **School Age Community (SAC) Grant**– Supports community-based afterschool programming designed to meet the needs of school-age children and families.

Organizations interested in applying can find the **application materials and detailed guidelines** on the Afterschool (School Age) page of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.

Awards are **subject to the availability of funding**.

🗓 **Application Deadline:**  
**1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026**

📧 **Questions:**  
Applicants may send questions to **afterschool@dese.mo.gov**.

These grants provide an important opportunity to expand access to quality afterschool programs that support children’s learning, development, and well-being across Missouri.

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

[FREE Clock Hour Training](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/free-clock-hour-training)  
[Scholarships for Educators](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/scholarships-for-educators)  
[Child Care Health and Wellness](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/child-care-nutrition-and-physical-activity)  
[Family Child Care Network](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/family-child-care-network)  
[Leadership Development Opportunities](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/leadership-development-opportunities)  
[Missouri Office of Childhood Updates](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/missouri-office-of-childhood-updates)  
[Show Me Child Care Resources](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/show-me-child-care-resources)  
[Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/support-child-care-aware)  
[Community Data](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/community-data)   
[Join Our Team](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/join-our-team)  
[Resources to Build Your Business ](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/resources-to-build-your-business)

 

 

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