California Serves Grant Program 2026-27

Purpose

Funding for the annual grant program is intended to support expanding access for high school graduates to the State Seal of Civic Engagement through high quality service-learning programs. Emphasis shall be on programs that demonstrate rich civic engagement and learning in pursuit of a State Seal of Civic Engagement specifically through service-learning.

Description

The California Department of Education invites eligible local educational agencies, which include school districts, county offices of education, or charter schools, to apply for a California Serves Grant to be used for the purpose of promoting access to effective service-learning with the goal of expanding access for high school graduates in obtaining a State Seal of Civic Engagement through service-learning. Grant funding can be used for a wide range of purposes that promote access to effective service-learning for students in grade twelve, with the goal of expanding access for high school graduates in obtaining a State Seal of Civic Engagement through service-learning. Allowable expenditures may include: Paid planning time for teachers to increase the use of service-learning in instruction. Professional development on service learning for administrators and teachers. Purchase of instructional materials to help integrate service-learning in instruction. Participation costs, including materials or travel expenses related to service-learning activities. Personnel costs for coordinating service-learning at the local educational agency or a school site. Participation costs associated with grant program evaluation. Applicants must submit a Notice of Intent to Apply by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. See the Request for Applications for guidance on submitting the Notice of Intent to Apply. For any questions about the California Serves Grant Program, please contact Sarah Smith by email at SSCE@cde.ca.gov.