Changes to PRE After-School Programs

Picture Rocks Elementary School and Marana Unified School District learned that their application for the Arizona Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant was not selected for funding. The grant would have supported after-school programming at Picture Rocks Elementary for the next five years.

The decision was made through a highly competitive statewide grant process administered by the Arizona Department of Education and is not a reflection of the quality of Picture Rocks Elementary’s staff, students, or the positive impact of the program. In a typical funding cycle, ADE awards grants to approximately 45 to 60 school sites; this year, only 25 sites received funding.

As a result of the grant decision, all 21st CCLC programming at Picture Rocks Elementary concluded in June 2026.

MUSD recognizes the important role after-school programs play in supporting students and families and remains committed to exploring alternative funding sources, grants, and community partnerships that may provide future opportunities for expanded programming.

The district will also continue to monitor future 21st CCLC grant cycles and plans to reapply should additional funding become available.

Families who have questions or would like to provide feedback regarding the grant decision may contact the Arizona Department of Education at 21stCCLCInbox@azed.gov.