(AP) — The Nebraska Department of Education is seeking grant proposals for its 2014 community learning center competition.

The competition was created to expand academic opportunities for students by establishing or expanding community learning centers.

The department says about $1.5 million is available for Nebraska applicants who offer services to eligible school buildings where at least 40 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced meal prices.

Grant proposals must be postmarked by Feb. 3, 2014. More information is available on the department’s website.

A grant writing workshop for first-time grants will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the lower level of the Nebraska State Office Building.