21st CCLC Program Evaluator

Background
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program is part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), aimed at providing opportunities for communities to establish or expand activities in community learning centers. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is responsible for ensuring that these programs are effective and continuously improving through program evaluations at both provider and state levels. The program focuses on academic enrichment, additional services for students, and family engagement in education.

Work Details
The contractor will provide evaluation expertise and resources to local sub-grantees and evaluators. They will monitor local evaluation initiatives, offer technical assistance to the State Educational Agency and sub-grantees, compile annual cohort comprehensive evaluation reports, and provide recommendations for program improvement. Specific tasks include:
- Participating in bi-monthly meetings with MSDE staff
- Providing technical assistance to sub-grantees twice during the contract period
- Monitoring evaluations for a random sample of up to 30 programs
- Delivering a final report summarizing local evaluations
- Completing all requirements within a maximum of 300 hours.

A detailed work plan must be submitted within two weeks after an initial meeting, including formative cohort comprehensive evaluation reports due in July 2026, July 2027, and March 2028.

Period of Performance
The contract will commence on or about May 15, 2025, and will terminate on March 31, 2028.

Place of Performance
Work will be conducted at the consultant's business site and various locations throughout Maryland as directed.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must have a minimum of three years' experience in educational program evaluations, preferably related to federal or state initiatives. A Master's degree in Education, Evaluation, Statistics, Policy or a related field is required. Bidders must also demonstrate experience with afterschool programming and possess excellent writing skills. Small, Minority and Veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to respond.