Texas ACE

Texas ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) provides no-cost activities before and after school and during summer for K–12 students in Title I schools. The program is federally funded through 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) and administered on the state level by TEA.

When the last bell rings, Texas ACE is just getting started with interactive, hands-on learning disguised as fun and aligned to the school curriculum. Local programs also provide homework help, tutoring, and other targeted needs-based assistance, as well as enrichment activities such as sports, clubs, and youth development projects that build character, confidence, and leadership skills.

Reach and Results

Through its competitively funded grants, Texas ACE operates more than 700 learning centers in more than 140 school districts and employs thousands of Texas teachers. The longer a student stays enrolled in a high-quality Texas ACE program, the more they stand to benefit. Many students attending for more than 30 days experience measurable improvements such as:

• Increased grade promotion
• Fewer absences
• Improved grades
• Higher test scores in English and math in grades 9–12
• Fewer disciplinary incidents in middle and high school

Apply for a Grant

Visit the TEA Grants Administration page to learn more about applying for a grant through TEA. Visit the TEA Grant Opportunities page and choose 21st CCLC from the dropdown menu to find guidelines, application due dates, and other information specific to the CCLC/Texas ACE application process.

Resources for Grantees

TEA funds local programs through a competitive peer-review process, monitors them for compliance with program and statutory requirements, and provides grantees with training, technical assistance, and other resources.

Marketing and Communications Resources

Grantees are provided with an introductory set of print collateral and access to ready-to-print and customizable digital design files so they can easily create their own on-brand marketing materials. All outreach, communications, and program materials used to promote Texas ACE should align with the official Texas ACE Brand Guide (PDF) and Texas ACE Messaging Guide (PDF).

Implementation Support

The Texas ACE Blueprint (PDF) guides grantees through the process of implementing high-quality local programming. It outlines companion training and support resources, components of the program, and goal-setting guidelines to help local programs move toward optimal operations and, ultimately, improved academic outcomes.

Statewide Evaluations

All grantees are required to conduct local program evaluations following the framework outlined in the Texas ACE Local Evaluation Guide (PDF). The Texas ACE Local Evaluation Toolkit (PDF) helps grantees incorporate the evaluation process and criteria into their planning.

About CCLC

The US Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is authorized by Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. The program provides opportunities for communities to establish or expand activities that provide students attending low performing schools.

Participating students receive academic enrichment and other activities designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program to help them meet state academic standards. The program also provides families  with active, meaningful engagement in their child's education and opportunities for adult literacy.