21st Century California School Leadership Academy, Cohort 3
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions of higher education, nonprofit educational services providers, and local educational agencies (LEAs) in California. Applicants must have expertise in providing professional learning, coaching, and mentoring to school leaders. The 21CSLA Center award is restricted to the current awardee only (renewal). Up to seven Regional Academies may apply to serve the seven Geographic Lead Agency boundaries statewide. All awardees must be able to provide free professional learning to LEAs receiving federal Title II funds.
This grant is for institutions of higher education, nonprofit educational services providers, and local educational agencies (LEAs) in California. Applicants must have expertise in providing professional learning, coaching, and mentoring to school leaders. The 21CSLA Center award is restricted to the current awardee only (renewal). Up to seven Regional Academies may apply to serve the seven Geographic Lead Agency boundaries statewide. All awardees must be able to provide free professional learning to LEAs receiving federal Title II funds.
Program description
The CDE, SBE, and CCEE will select one awardee to serve as the 21CSLA Center and up to seven awardees to serve as 21CSLA Regional Academies. Please note that the Center application is a renewal. Only the current 21CSLA Center may apply. Awardees, supported by the CDE, CCEE, and SBE, will work collaboratively within the Statewide System of Support (SOS) to build the capacity of educational leaders statewide through professional learning aligned to the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL) and the Quality Professional Learning Standards (QPLS). A goal of this program is to have a Regional Academy located in each of the seven Geographic Lead Agency boundaries. A statewide map of the Geographic Lead Agency boundaries can be found on the CDE Geographic Lead Agency web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/sw/t1/crss.asp. The 21CSLA Center will be awarded a minimum of $2 million per year and each 21CSLA Regional Academy will be awarded a minimum of $1 million per year for a three-year period. Additional funding may be available based on regional needs. Regional Academy applicants shall develop a budget that reflects the coverage of their region. Final selection of awardees is subject to approval by the Executive Director of the SBE. The 21CSLA Program was established by Senate Bill 75, Section 26 Statutes of 2019 (see Appendix A). Article 5 (commencing with Section 44690) was added to Chapter 3.1 of part 25 of Division 3 of Title II of the California Education Code, see https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/pl/ca21cslasb75.asp. The law specifies that the professional learning provided through 21CSLA will be made free of charge to LEAs that receive federal Title II funds and include the following: ·Training and coaching for principals and other school leaders in critical areas identified by the CDE and CCEE, in consultation with the Executive Director of the SBE ·Training mentors for novice principals and teachers. ·Training coaches to support leaders in high-need settings. ·Training for central office leaders, principals, and other school leaders, including teacher leaders, involved in school improvement efforts. Lead applicants must be institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit educational services providers, and local educational agencies (LEAs) with expertise in providing professional learning, coaching, and mentoring to principals and other school leaders in public schools serving transitional kindergarten and grades one to twelve, inclusive, to organize and offer high-quality professional learning, coaching, and mentoring for central office leaders, principals, and other schools leaders, including teacher leaders, involved in school improvement efforts.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for institutions of higher education, nonprofit educational services providers, and local educational agencies (LEAs) in California. Applicants must have expertise in providing professional learning, coaching, and mentoring to school leaders. The 21CSLA Center award is restricted to the current awardee only (renewal). Up to seven Regional Academies may apply to serve the seven Geographic Lead Agency boundaries statewide. All awardees must be able to provide free professional learning to LEAs receiving federal Title II funds.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Completed application form (CDE format)
- Project narrative describing professional learning model and alignment to CPSEL/QPLS
- Budget and budget narrative for three-year period
- Organizational capacity and qualifications documentation
- Evidence of partnerships and collaboration plans
Program contact
- 📧 21CSLA@cde.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-445-7331
FAQ
Who can apply for the 21CSLA grant?
Institutions of higher education, nonprofit educational services providers, and local educational agencies (LEAs) with expertise in professional learning and coaching for school leaders can apply. The Center award is restricted to the current awardee only.
What is the funding amount and duration?
The 21CSLA Center receives a minimum of $2 million per year. Regional Academies receive a minimum of $1 million per year. All awards are for a three-year period with possible additional funding based on regional needs.
What activities must awardees support?
Awardees must provide training and coaching for principals and other school leaders, training mentors for novice principals, training coaches for high-need settings, and training for central office leaders involved in school improvement.
Are there geographic restrictions?
Yes, the program aims to place one Regional Academy in each of the seven Geographic Lead Agency boundaries. Applicants should align with their regional geographic boundaries.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required. Professional learning must be provided free to LEAs that receive federal Title II funds.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate expertise in professional learning aligned to California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL) and Quality Professional Learning Standards (QPLS).
- Show capacity to serve your specific Geographic Lead Agency region, including budget and staffing for regional coverage.
- Emphasize partnerships with the California Department of Education, State Board of Education, and California Collaborative for Educational Excellence.
- Detail your experience coaching and mentoring principals and central office leaders in high-need schools.
- Ensure your proposal addresses free provision of services to Title II-eligible LEAs and includes sustainability planning for the three-year period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to align professional learning content with CPSEL and QPLS standards. Not demonstrating sufficient regional capacity or realistic budgets for serving entire Geographic Lead Agency areas. Unclear plans for providing free services while maintaining program quality.
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