Libraries are eligible for these PDE Grant programs:
21st Century Community Learning Centers Grants
This is a competitive grant that provides federal funding to establish community learning centers that provide academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for students and their families. These opportunities must occur during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session to help students attending high-poverty and low-performing schools to meet state and local standards in core academic subjects.
Examples of agencies that are eligible to apply for these funds include, but are not limited to: local education agencies (LEA), non-profit community-based organizations, city or county government agencies, faith-based organizations, family centers, higher education institutions, for-profit corporations and consortia of two or more of such agencies, organizations, or entities. It is critical that eligible organizations collaborate with LEAs when applying for funds. Non-LEA applicants must provide documentation that they have the full support of the school district to which services are targeted. Likewise, LEA applicants must clearly demonstrate cross-collaboration with relevant school and community groups, agencies and entities. no award will be issued for less than %50,000. Small programs may want to form a consortia. The deadline is March 25.
PAsmart Advancing Grants
These grants support high-quality STEM and computer science learning and professional development opportunities to communities across Pennsylvania, including within early learning centers, libraries, out-of-school time providers, career and technical centers, post-secondary institutions, and K-12 schools. Up to $500,000 is available.
Check the Grant Toolkit page, where interested applicants can view the Request for Application, and register for an upcoming webinar and office hours. Please send any questions about the grant to RA-EDPAsmart@pa.gov.