This formal correspondence by Michael Funk, Director, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education, is to notify Expanded Learning Grantees that the California Department of Education (CDE), Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) will be providing Grant Award Notifications (GANs) to all grantees. The GANs will include all After School Education and Safety (ASES), 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC), and After School Education and Safety for Teens (ASSETs) grants awarded a fiscal year (FY) 2021–22. 

Several factors out of the CDE’s control delayed issuing of the GANs. These factors include a late final approval of the California American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) by the US Department of Education (ED). The plan was approved in the latter part of October, and the ED sent California’s grant award letter in early November. The good news is that the plan included a rate increase across all state and federal ASES and 21st CCLC funded programs. The rate increase will be reflected in the FY 2021–22 award letter.

We now have the necessary accounting codes to start creating the GANs, and the EXLD staff are working to expedite this multistage process at every opportunity. Michael Funk is confident that the award letters will be issued in the next four to six weeks. Any changes in this timeline will be communicated to grantees immediately.

Michael Funk trust’s that this correspondence will allow grantees’ boards and governing bodies to continue to provide the financial support to programs until then. Additionally, he thanks grantees for their service to the students and families who continue to rely on CA EXL programs through these challenging times.

Michael Funk

Director, Expanded Learning Division

California Department of Education

916-319-9916