State Youth Grants

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Universal Grant is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) through its Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and supports after school programs across the state. The program was established via Proposition 49 in 2002 and is legislated through California Education Code sections 8482 through 8484.65. ASES aims to promote academic enrichment and safe, structured activities for students in kindergarten through ninth grade during non-school hours. The funding supports programs that incorporate literacy and educational enrichment while providing a safe environment conducive to learning and development. Applicants include both new organizations and existing grantees seeking to add sites or increase funding for current programs. The program seeks to foster partnerships between schools and community-based organizations, public agencies, and other stakeholders. It encourages collaboration among parents, youth, educators, law enforcement, and local nonprofits. Programs funded by ASES must offer a minimum of 15 hours of services per week, begin immediately after the school day ends, and remain open until at least 6 p.m. each school day. Required program components include a literacy and academic element and an enrichment element, both aligned with state standards and tailored to after school settings. Services may include tutoring, computer training, arts education, physical fitness, career readiness, and substance abuse prevention, among others. Eligibility is open to local educational agencies (LEAs), city or county governments, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with an LEA. High schools, umbrella organizations, and programs solely requesting before-school or summer funding are ineligible. Currently funded grantees may only apply for increased funding or to add new sites, provided they meet all reporting and compliance requirements. Maximum awards are capped at $152,612.13 for elementary schools and $203,482.84 for middle schools, with potential adjustments for large schools using a formula defined by state statute. Programs must also contribute a local match equal to one-third of the total grant, either in cash or in-kind, excluding facilities as more than 25% of the match. Applications must be submitted electronically via the ASSIST system by February 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Required forms include a cover page, narrative for new applicants, co-applicant information (if applicable), authorized signatures, assurances, and site approvals. Applications that fail to meet the formatting or deadline requirements will be disqualified. Notifications of disqualification will be issued in March 2026, followed by the Intent to Award list in April and final awards shortly thereafter. Each school site is evaluated independently based on its percentage of students eligible for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FRPM), using data from the CALPADS system. Selected programs will enter a three-year renewable funding period, contingent on continued compliance and available funding. Grantees must submit quarterly expenditure and biannual attendance reports via ASSIST, maintain auditable records for five years, and participate in CDE-led evaluations and audits. Programs are also expected to implement a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process aligned with CDE guidance. ASES ensures that no less than 85% of funds are allocated to direct services for students, with no more than 15% permitted for administrative costs, including indirect expenses. Technical assistance is available through a network of regional support providers coordinated by EXLD. Additional resources, including detailed application instructions and the Program Plan Guide, can be found on the CDE website. Program contacts include the EXLD team via expandedlearning@cde.ca.gov or phone at 916-319-0923. Appeals of disqualifications must be submitted electronically within 10 calendar days of notification and must include an original signature and justification based on the application review standards.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Vermont non-profit organizations to help schools and early childhood education programs implement or expand farm to school initiatives, enhancing access to local food resources and educational programs.

This funding opportunity is designed for Massachusetts-based organizations to implement a statewide program focused on training child passenger safety technicians and promoting community engagement in child passenger safety initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 to organizations in Kansas for youth-led projects that promote civic engagement and community participation among K-12 students.

This grant provides funding to public K–12 schools in Alabama to enhance robotics education through the purchase of specialized robotics kits and equipment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local agencies in Franklin County to implement programs that prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system and address disparities affecting at-risk populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for educational projects that promote environmental learning and stewardship in the Hudson River Estuary, particularly targeting underserved communities and local organizations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California Federally Recognized Tribes to develop and implement community-driven strategies for addressing homelessness through various housing and support services.

This grant provides funding to state and local agencies, non-profits, and Child Advocacy Centers in Maryland to improve the handling of child abuse and neglect cases, focusing on innovative solutions that minimize trauma for child victims.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to early childhood education programs in Ohio to improve literacy outcomes for children from birth to kindergarten, particularly those from low-income families, through evidence-based practices and community partnerships.

This funding opportunity supports Mississippi-based nonprofit organizations and local government entities in delivering community-focused arts projects that enhance cultural, educational, and economic vitality.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to a nonprofit organization in North Carolina to facilitate reimbursements for families and caregivers of children with special health care needs, enabling their active participation in health care system improvements.

This funding opportunity provides resources to Baltimore City public schools and nonprofit organizations to establish student-led peer mediation programs aimed at reducing youth violence and promoting conflict resolution skills.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit dental providers in Minnesota that offer free or low-cost dental care to uninsured, low-income children and adolescents under 21.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, tribal programs, and governmental entities in Indiana that assist victims of sexual assault and their families through direct intervention and related services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that operate school health centers, enabling them to deliver essential medical and preventive services to children and adolescents in underserved communities across North Carolina.

This program provides funding to support high school juniors, seniors, and out-of-school youth in New Jersey as they transition into high-skill, high-wage employment through career exploration, training, and partnerships with apprenticeship sponsors.

This program provides funding for small-scale community projects in Manhattan that address local needs in areas such as education, climate resilience, anti-gun violence, and composting.

This grant provides funding to Washington State Community and Technical Colleges to enhance equitable dual credit programs and career pathways for high school students, fostering collaboration with regional educational and industry partners.

This program provides funding to small cities and counties in California to improve housing, community facilities, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.