December 2025
If you are interested in learning how to apply for afterschool grants, the DESE Afterschool Grant Writing Workshop is a great place to start. This free workshop will share helpful information about the 21st Century Community Learning Center and School Age Community grants. These grants support programs that serve school‑age children in kindergarten and above. School districts, community groups, faith‑based organizations, and other eligible programs that serve children ages 5 and up are welcome to attend.
The workshop is scheduled for January 30, 2026, at the Governor Office Building, Room 450, located at 200 Madison Street in Jefferson City. If the location changes due to weather or the need for more space, DESE will post an update on the DESE Afterschool Portal and send an email to everyone registered by 6:00 p.m. on January 29.
The day will begin with check‑in from 9:00–9:30 a.m., followed by a morning presentation until noon. Lunch is from 12:00–1:00 p.m. and is on your own. Please note that no food or drinks are sold in the building, so plan ahead. The workshop will continue from 1:00–2:30 p.m. This event is for information only, and attending is not required to submit a grant application. While DESE expects to hold a grant competition in 2026, all competitions depend on available state and federal funding.
If you have questions, you can email afterschool@dese.mo.gov. To register for the workshop, please use the link below.
