Harlandale ISD has been awarded a $1.95 million grant through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant, also known as Texas ACE, a federal program that supports high-quality academic enrichment opportunities for students outside of regular school hours.
The Texas Education Agency awarded Harlandale ISD the 2026-2027 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Cycle 13, Year 1 grant following a competitive application and review process. The grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Texas Education Agency.
The grant will provide $1,958,000 to support free after-school and summer programming for students while creating additional opportunities for family engagement. Programs funded through the grant are designed to strengthen academic achievement, provide enrichment experiences and support student success beyond the traditional school day.
“This grant represents so much more than funding,” said Harlandale ISD Superintendent Gerardo Soto. “For many of our families, it means knowing their children have a safe place to learn and thrive after the school day ends. It also means access to opportunities that help students discover new interests and strengthen their academic skills, all at no cost to families. We are incredibly grateful to bring these opportunities to the students we serve.”
The grant will serve students at nine Harlandale ISD campuses, including Adams Elementary, Bellaire Elementary, Collier Elementary, Gilbert Elementary, Gillette Elementary, Schulze Elementary, Stonewall Flanders Elementary, Vestal Elementary and Wright Elementary. Students participating in the program will have access to academic support aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, along with enrichment opportunities in STEM/STEAM, the arts, health and wellness, and college and career readiness.
In addition to student programming, the grant will provide opportunities for families to become more involved in their children's education through engagement activities designed to strengthen the connection between home and school. By expanding access to academic support and enrichment opportunities at no cost to families, Harlandale ISD aims to help students build confidence, explore new interests and develop skills that support long-term success.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our students and families,” said Reina Delgado-Gallegos, Director of Student Support Services and Federal Programs at Harlandale ISD. “Through Texas ACE, students will have access to academic support, enrichment activities and engaging learning experiences at no cost to families. This grant allows us to extend learning beyond the classroom while strengthening family engagement and providing opportunities that help students grow academically, socially and emotionally.”
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to supporting local after-school, before-school and summer learning programs. Through Texas ACE, participating students receive academic support and enrichment experiences that complement their regular educational programs while providing families with additional resources and opportunities for involvement.
Parents interested in enrolling their children in the Texas ACE program are encouraged to register beginning Wednesday, July 29, at 9 a.m. through the District's Jumbala Registration System. Due to anticipated demand, all students who register will initially be placed on a waiting list. Families will be notified by email if their child is accepted into the program. Space is limited, and families at the nine participating elementary campuses are encouraged to register as soon as registration opens. Additional information, including the registration link and QR code, will be shared by each participating campus.
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