2025–26 After School Education and Safety grant program (Round 2)
🏛 CA Department of Education (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking funding to improve broadband access and digital literacy in California communities with low adoption rates. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, community-based organizations, local government agencies, schools, libraries, and senior centers. Preference is given to projects serving low-income communities, seniors, and populations facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband access.
Eligible projects include digital literacy training programs, public education initiatives, and provision of free broadband access in community spaces. Funded activities may also cover community outreach, internet plan comparison analysis, and call centers promoting broadband adoption. All projects must demonstrate a cost-sharing commitment.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program is the result of the 2002 voter-approved initiative, Proposition 49. These programs are created through partnerships between schools and local community resources to provide literacy, academic enrichment and safe, constructive alternatives for students in kindergarten through ninth grade. Funding is designed to: (1) maintain existing before and after school program funding; and (2) provide eligibility to all elementary and middle schools that submit quality applications throughout California. This is round 2 of the 2025-26 ASES Request for Applications.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Individuals
- Library
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Cost-Share Documentation
- Proof of Organization Status (articles of incorporation or government agency documentation)
- Community Needs Assessment or Broadband Access Data
Program contact
- 📧 ExpandedLearning@cde.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-319-0923
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | 26 | 6 | 23% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, community-based organizations, local government agencies, schools, libraries, and senior centers are eligible. Your organization must operate in California communities with demonstrated low broadband access.
What types of projects are funded?
Digital literacy training, public education, free broadband access in community spaces, community outreach, and call centers promoting broadband adoption are eligible activities.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, this grant requires a cost-sharing commitment from applicants. The match percentage will be specified in the official RFP.
What communities receive preference?
Projects serving low-income communities, senior citizen populations, and communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption receive preference in funding decisions.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is January 1, 2026. Check the California PUC website for exact submission time and any application portal details.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify your target community and demonstrate their low broadband access through data or community input. Use specific census data or survey results to establish need.
- Emphasize alignment with PUC priorities: serving low-income populations, seniors, or other underserved groups facing adoption barriers.
- Detail your cost-sharing plan early. Show leveraged funding, in-kind contributions, or partnerships that strengthen your application's financial commitment.
- Include concrete metrics for digital literacy or access improvements. Specify how many people will be served and what outcomes you'll measure.
- Partner with trusted community institutions like libraries, schools, or senior centers to increase credibility and reach in your target area.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate low broadband access in your target community limits competitiveness; include relevant data. Applications without a clear cost-sharing plan or unrealistic match percentages often get rejected. Vague project descriptions lacking specific target numbers and measurable outcomes weaken proposals significantly.
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