California Serves Grant Program 2026-27

The California Department of Education is offering the California Serves Grant Program (2026‑27) to local educational agencies (school districts, county offices of education, or charter schools) to expand access for high‑school graduates to earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement through high‑quality service‑learning. Funding may cover planning time, professional development, instructional materials, travel, personnel, and evaluation costs. Applicants must submit a Notice of Intent by September 8 2026 and a full application by October 5 2026. The grant period runs July 1 2027 – June 30 2030, with up to $5 million available statewide and an estimated $500 k per award. • Eligible applicants: public local educational agencies serving 12th‑grade students in California. • Funding uses: teacher planning, PD, materials, travel, coordination staff, evaluation. • Application timeline: Intent by 9/8/2026, full application by 10/5/2026, award announcement 8/2/2027. • Grant size: up to $5 M total, average award $500 k (number of awards dependent). • No matching funds required; funds provided as advances and reimbursements.