Education

American Association of Community Colleges Announces New Initiative for Low-Income Students

2012-02-13T05:50:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The American Association of Community Colleges has announced the launch of a three-year, $4.84 million initiative designed to help low-income students succeed by increasing access to public benefits and services at their colleges.

Led by the Center for Law and Social Policy and AACC, with funding from the Ford, Kresge, Lumina, Annie E. Casey, and Open Societyfoundations, the Benefits Access for College Completion initiative will be piloted at six community colleges. By integrating access to federal and state supports into college operations, working directly with local and state benefit administrators, and aligning services, the BAAC team hopes the participating schools will help students complete college faster and become economically self-sufficient.

The participating schools are Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Gateway Community and Technical College andOwensboro Community and Technical College in Kentucky,LaGuardia Community College in New York, Northampton Community College in Pennsylvania, and Skyline College in California. In addition, two schools in Michigan — Macomb Community College andLake Michigan College — will share perspectives from similar work.

"We are committed to student completion and appreciate the major investment these foundations are making," said AACC president Walter G. Bumphus. "Their collaborative vision will help community colleges identify the best ways for students to access the benefits and services they need to finish what they start."

“Community Colleges Address Financial Barriers to Success for Low-Income Students.” American Association of Community Colleges Press Release 2/08/12.

Youth Literacy Grants

2012-02-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Dollar General Literacy Foundation's Youth Literacy Grants program provides funding to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations working to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. Applicants must provide literacy programs for new readers, below-grade-level readers, or readers with learning disabilities.

Grants will be provided for the following initiatives: implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs; purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives; and purchasing books, materials, or software for literacy programs.

Applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and/or educational institutions (K-12 private and public schools, colleges and universities) and/or public libraries. All applicants must be located in and provide direct services in a state in which Dollar General operates and be located within twenty miles of a Dollar General store.

The maximum grant amount is $4,000.

For complete program guidelines, store locator page, eligibility quiz, and the application form, visit the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Web site. Link to Complete RFP

Millions committed for STEM education

2012-02-09T12:29:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The White House has announced a plan to invest up to $100 million over ten years to improve math and science education in the United States, theAssociated Press reports.

As part of its plan, the administration announced a $22 million commitment from private companies, foundations, and institutions of higher education, including Google, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, theUniversity of Chicago, and Teach for America. The White House also will request $80 million from Congress for a new Department of Education competition that will award grants for innovative STEM teacher-training programs. Congress shot down a similar measure last year.

President Obama first challenged Congress and business leaders in 2010 to address the shortage of teachers with expertise in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and renewed that call during his State of the Union address in January.

To highlight the benefits of math and science education, the president hosted a White House science fair on Tuesday featuring projects designed by more than a hundred students from across the country. Projects included a robot that helps senior citizens connect with their families via Skype and a portable shelter that could be used to house people who have been displaced from their homes by a natural disaster.

During the event, the president made it clear that a renewed focus on math and science education should be an American imperative. "The belief that we belong on the cutting edge of innovation, that's an idea as old as America itself. We're a nation of thinkers, dreamers, believers in a better tomorrow."

“Obama at White House Science Fair Announces Plan to Promote Math, Science Teachers.” Associated Press 2/07/12.Nakamura, David. “Obama to Announce $100 Million Plan to Train New Educators.” Washington Post 2/06/12.

Primary Subject: Education

STEM Scholarships announced

2012-02-06T05:27:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] SanDisk Corporation, the world's largest provider of flash memory storage solutions, has announced $1 million in needs-based scholarships for students underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Funded by the SanDisk Foundation, a corporate advised fund of theSilicon Valley Community Foundation, the SanDisk Scholars Fundwill award scholarships of up to $10,000 to women, Latino, and African-American students pursuing careers in STEM-related fields. A portion of the commitment will be set aside for students attending theMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, theUniversity of California, Berkeley, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Texas at Austin.

The SanDisk Foundation will partner with SVCF, International Scholarship and Tuition Services, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and the United Negro College Fund to identify qualified students, process applications, award scholarships, and provide support services to recipients.

“SanDisk Encourages Students to Pursue Careers in Engineering and Technology With $1 Million Annual Scholarship Program.”SanDisk Corporation Press Release 2/01/12.

Summer Enrichment Program Grants Awarded

2012-02-06T05:26:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation in Lansdowne, Virginia, has announced grants totaling $2.3 million to ten summer enrichment programs for talented, low-income middle and high school students in rural and urban communities across the United States.

Ranging from $100,000 to $250,000, the grants will be awarded to organizations working to provide rigorous learning experiences in the sciences, humanities, and math for more than seven hundred students across the country. Awards include $250,000 to the College of William and Mary's Center for Gifted Education for a three-week residential math program for promising New York City eighth graders; $250,000 to the University of California Berkeley to expand access to its six-week math, writing, and engineering Pre-College Academy program to a hundred more students from underserved urban high schools; and $189,902 to Northfield, Minnesota-based Carleton College to offer high school students intensive study in writing, science, and quantitative reasoning. In most cases, the foundation intends to renew the awards for two additional years.

"This initiative is part of our mission to find and assist high-potential youth in under-served communities," said JKCF executive director Lawrence Kutner. "What's particularly exciting is that these summer programs will involve talented students in fields such as robotics, environmental science, and philosophy — subjects that are unlikely to be part of their high school curricula."

For more information about the awardees, visit the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Web site.

“Foundation Awards $2.3 Million to Support Summer Programs for Talented Low-Income Youth.” Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Press Release 1/27/12.

Erie's Future Fund

2012-01-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

Erie’s Future Fund was created in 2011, an outgrowth of Erie Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Advisory Panel in partnership with United Way of Erie County, Success By 6, members of the Early Learning Investment Commission (ELIC) and Erie Together. Leaders from corporate, nonprofit and civic sectors sought to address growing concerns about lack of school readiness among many children entering kindergarten, and the significant impact it was having now and would have in the future on Erie County’s economy and quality of life. Erie’s Future Fund goal is provide scholarships for approximately 285 low-income children in 2012-2013 school year.

*To learn more, join us on February 16th beginning at 4 p.m. at the Ambassador Hotel and Conference Center. Make your reservation by calling 814-454-0843 or via email by clicking here.

The scholarships allow children to attend a high-quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at ages 3 and 4.Early Childhood research shows that well-focused early childhood education investments can produce high public returns, particularly for children living in families with low income levels. Erie’s Future Fund will provide scholarships to low-income families in neighborhoods with the highest percentage of families with children under 5 living in poverty.

Erie’s Future Fund through Success BY 6 and its task forces that target areas of health, children’s mental health, education, special needs, and prevention of abuse and neglect, promotes parents involvement beginning prenatally. Families are provided guidance on selecting an ECE program, skills, and knowledge necessary to promote school readiness throughout their child’s early years, and information about health, child development, community resources to support their family’s needs.

NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

2012-01-24T10:11:00.000-08:00

Funding Opportunity Number:

12-529

Current Closing Date for Applications:

Aug 14, 2012

Expected Number of Awards:	100
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$70,000,000
Award Ceiling:	$600,000
Award Floor:	$100,000
CFDA Number(s):	47.076 -- Education and Human Resources

This program makes grants to institutions of higher education to support scholarships for academically talented students demonstrating financial need, enabling them to enter the STEM workforce or STEM graduate school following completion of an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate-level degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics disciplines. Grantee institutions are responsible for selecting scholarship recipients, reporting demographic information about student scholars, and managing the S-STEM project at the institution.The program does not make scholarship awards directly to students; students should contact their institution's Office of Financial Aid for this and other scholarship opportunities.

NSF Publication 12-529

Dept. of Education draft strategic plan

2012-01-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Department of Education has posted its draftstrategic plan for fiscal years 2011 through 2014 on its website for publiccomment. The draft plan can be foundhere: www.ed.gov/about/reports/strat/index.html

National Financial Capability Challenge

2012-01-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

From Penn State Erie's Center for Financial & Consumer Outreach

March 12 - April 13, 2012

The National Financial Capability Challenge is a FREE event for all educators working with high-school students ages 13-19. The purpose of the challenge is to increase student knowledge and awareness of financial literacy topics so that they can take control of their own financial futures. Not only will the NFCC challenge all participants, but they will be rewarded for their participation and success. Each student will receive a certificate, and those schools and states with the highest participation rates will receive special distinction.

If you are interested in learning more about the National Financial Capability Challenge, please visit the CFCO's website, or simply click here.

Farmers Grow Rural Education grants

2012-01-24T09:37:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, has announced the launch of its America's Farmers Grow Rural Education program. The grant program will provide grants in over twelve hundred counties across thirty-nine states to help strengthen local communities and education systems, especially in the areas of science and/or math. Grants will be awarded based on merit, need, and community support.

The program invites farmers to nominate a public school district in their community to compete for a grant. Administrators from nominated school districts can then submit an application for either a $10,000 or $25,000 grant to support a science and/or math education program.

School districts that apply for a $10,000 grant will compete against other school districts located in a USDA-appointed Crop Reporting District; CRDs with fewer than five eligible school districts will compete against each other for a single grant. A school district that applies for a $25,000 grant will compete against schools located in its state or designated region. The Monsanto Fund will award a hundred and ninety-nine grants through the program in 2012: a hundred and seventy-seven $10,000 grants and twenty-two grants of $25,000. Overall, the fund will donate more than $2.3 million to school districts through the program.

To be eligible to submit a nomination, farmers must be at least 21 years old and actively engaged in farming a minimum of two hundred and fifty acres of corn, soybeans, and/or cotton, and/or forty acres of open field vegetables, or at least ten acres of vegetables grown in protected culture; and must reside in eligible counties where a minimum of thirty thousand acres of corn and/or soybeans and/or cotton and/or vegetables are planted each year.

Visit the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education Web site for the complete list of eligible states and regions, program guidelines, and nomination procedures.

Link to Complete RFP

Lumina Foundation announces grants

2012-01-12T05:39:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation has announced grants totaling $1.1 million working to develop the next generation of college-access supports and services and leverage the power of digital technology to support students on their path to college.

In a recent Gallup poll, 43 percent of respondents said it was somewhat or very difficult to locate information about college financial aid. To that end, planning grants were awarded through the foundation's Envisioning the Next Generation of Student Supports program to Texas-based College Forward ($200,000 ) for market research and design of a game prototype that engages students in financial aid and literacy topics; the Educational Policy Improvement Center in Oregon ($200,000) to build and test customizable transition management systems for open enrollment institutions; EduGuide in Michigan ($155,000) to pilot an enhanced information/mentoring platform with new partners; New York City-based iMentor ($200,000) for its efforts to develop a third generation student mentoring platform that incorporates new analytic tools and more data capacity; the San Francisco Education Fund ($150,900) to integrate public and private data into a new student tracking and guidance system; and Southern Region Education Board in Georgia ($200,000) to offer recommendations to states for quick-to-market mobile apps related to college access and success.

“Lumina Foundation Announces 'NextGen' Grantees Harnessing the Power of Digital Technology to Improve College Access.”Lumina Foundation Press Release 1/10/12.

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

2011-12-30T05:25:00.001-08:00

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program seeks to encourage talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors and professionals to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. The Noyce Scholarship Track provides funds to institutions of higher education to support scholarships, stipends, and academic programs for undergraduate STEM majors and post-baccalaureate students holding STEM degrees who earn a teaching credential and commit to teaching in high-need K-12 school districts. The NSF Teaching Fellowship/Master Teaching Fellowship Track provides funding to support STEM professionals who enroll as NSF Teaching Fellows in master's degree programs leading to teacher certification by providing academic courses, professional development, and salary supplements while they are fulfilling a four-year teaching commitment in a high-need school district. This track also supports the development of NSF Master Teaching Fellows by providing professional development and salary supplements for exemplary mathematics and science teachers to become Master Teachers in high-need school districts. Each track supports Capacity Building Projects to develop the capacity for institutions to provide innovative teacher preparation programs to enable increasing numbers of STEM majors and STEM professionals to become effective K-12 mathematics and science teachers and to develop the capacity to prepare Master science and mathematics teachers.

NSF Publication 12-525

Expected Number of Awards:	45
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$54,890,000
Award Ceiling:	$3,250,000
Award Floor:	$150,000
CFDA Number(s):	47.076 -- Education and Human Resources

Staples Foundation awards grants for at-risk youth

2011-12-30T05:24:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Staples Foundation has announced grants totaling over $2.5 million to more than a hundred nonprofit organizations working to assist at-risk youth nationwide.

This year, the Massachusetts-based foundation awarded grants in support of efforts to provide youth with the skills and resources they need to become responsible and caring citizens. While the funding will support a wide range of programs, 70 percent of the recipients will use it for education and literacy efforts. In addition, more than 20 percent of the grants will support mentoring and life skills initiatives, while roughly 10 percent will support environmental efforts and services for youth with disabilities. More than half the grantees were nominated by Staples associates.

Recipients include the D.C.-based National Environmental Education Foundation; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver; Aid for Africain Chevy Chase, Maryland; Unified Theater in Hartford, Connecticut; theLakeside Educational Network in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania;Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County in Arizona; the Kentucky-based School to Work Council; and Common Wealth Development in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Staples Foundation Awards $2.5 Million in Funding to Non-Profit Organizations Nationwide.” Staples Foundation Press Release 12/27/11.

Math and Science Partnership grants

2011-12-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

Through this solicitation, NSF seeks to support two levels of Targeted Partnership awards, Implementation and Prototype. Implementation awards are intended to develop and put into practice innovative approaches and strategies in education. Prototype awards explore potentially innovative approaches and strategies in education. Both types of Partnerships incorporate significant new innovations to STEM education, linked to a strong educational research agenda, in one of four focal areas: Community Enterprise for STEM Learning; Current Issues Related to STEM Content; Identifying and Cultivating Exceptional Talent; and K-12 STEM Teacher Preparation. In addition, there are three types of Research, Evaluation and Technical Assistance (RETA) project opportunities in this solicitation: research related to sustainability, or policies, or state plans for STEM education; technical assistance for evaluators of MSP projects; and the STEM Education Resource Collaboratory.

Transforming Undergraduate Education Grant

2011-12-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

The Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (TUES) program seeks to improve the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for all undergraduate students. This solicitation especially encourages projects that have the potential to transform undergraduate STEM education, for example, by bringing about widespread adoption of classroom practices that embody understanding of how students learn most effectively. Thus transferability and dissemination are critical aspects for projects developing instructional materials and methods and should be considered throughout the project's lifetime. More advanced projects should involve efforts to facilitate adaptation at other sites.

The program supports efforts to create, adapt, and disseminate new learning materials and teaching strategies to reflect advances both in STEM disciplines and in what is known about teaching and learning. It funds projects that develop faculty expertise, implement educational innovations, assess learning and evaluate innovations, prepare K-12 teachers, or conduct research on STEM teaching and learning. It also supports projects that further the work of the program itself, for example, synthesis and dissemination of findings across the program. The program supports projects representing different stages of development, ranging from small, exploratory investigations to large, comprehensive projects.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

This program provides educational opportunities for Undergraduate Students . This program provides indirect funding for undergraduate students or focuses on educational developments for this group such as curriculum development, training, or retention. To inquire about possible funding opportunities not directly from NSF, please look at the active awards for this program.

Full Proposal Deadline Date: May 29, 2012

Scholarship program for youth volunteers

2011-12-22T08:23:00.001-08:00

The Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) whose efforts have made a positive impact on their communities. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program. This year, Kohl’s plans to recognize an additional 2,100 kids with prizes ranging from $50 Kohl’s Gift Cards to $1,000 or $10,000 scholarships.

Deadline: Mar. 15, 2012 (Nominations accepted).

The official announcement and description of this opportunity may be found on the funding agency's website:
http://www.kohlscorporation.com/CommunityRelations/scholarship/index.asp

Next Generation Learning Challenge Grants

2011-12-20T13:13:00.001-08:00

Prior to applying, all applicants are strongly encouraged to read and review the Wave III Requests for Proposals:

Wave IIIa: Breakthrough School Models for College Readiness
Our priority: Personalized, mastery-based, blended learning models
Our vision for Wave IIIa is to identify and scale fundamentally redesigned, whole school models that combine the best aspects of brick and mortar and online learning and result in more personalized, mastery based learning. Click here to read the Request for Proposals and access detailed application instructions.

Wave IIIb: Breakthrough Models for College Completion
Our priority: Innovative delivery models that generate high student outcomes at affordable cost
Our vision for Wave IIIb is to spotlight innovative delivery models that generate high student outcomes at an affordable cost. Grants will stimulate the development of new, next generation online and blended programs that lead to associates or bachelor’s degrees. Click here to read theRequest for Proposals access detailed application instructions.

All applicants are also strongly encouraged to download and read the NGLC Intellectual Property Policy and Conflict of Interest Policyprior to applying.

Application Process

The Wave III selection process involves two steps: an initial application and a longer, more detailed full proposal from selected applicants. Initial applications will be accepted on a rolling basis untilJune 8, 2012.

Submission date	Second phase notifications	Winners Notified	Models should open in:
November 11, 2011	November 23, 2011	February 8, 2012	Fall 2012
February 9, 2012	March 9, 2012	May 31, 2012	Fall 2012 or Fall 2013
June 8, 2012	July 8, 2012	September 30, 2012	Fall 2013

Google.org supports STEM, technology initiatives

2011-12-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest] Google.org, the charitable arm of Web search company Google, has announced $40 million in grants in support of education, technology, and the fight against modern-day slavery.

With this latest round of grants, the tech giant has awarded grants totaling more than $115 million in 2011 to nonprofit organizations and academic institutions around the world. In the area of science, technology, engineering, and math education (STEM), Google.org awarded a total of $14.7 million, including $3.25 million to Boston-based Citizen Schoolsand £25,000 (approximately $39,000) to Generating Genius in England to help expand the horizons of underprivileged youth and provide STEM education for more than three million students.

Through its Empowerment Through Technology program, the company awarded fifteen grants totaling $9.8 million to organizations using the Web, open-source programming, and other technologies to connect communities and improve access to information. Recipients include Vittana, Code for America, and Switchboard.

For more information on the grantees, visit Google Gives Back on the Google.com Web site.

ExpandEd Schools Initiative

2011-12-19T09:14:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The After-School Corporation (TASC) has announced grants totaling $11.5 million, including $8.5 million from the Open Society Foundationsand the Wallace Foundation, to help expand its ExpandED Schools initiative. TASC also committed $3 million to the effort in anticipation that private investment will leverage a $30 million public-private national demonstration of expanded learning time over the next three years.

The initiative aims to reinvent public schools by forging partnerships between schools and community organizations focused on expanding students' learning time and options. The learning day in ExpandED Schools facilities is about three hours longer than in typical schools, giving students more time for quality instruction, adult mentoring, and the chance to explore learning opportunities. The ExpandED Schools model seeks to close opportunity and educational achievement gaps in schools in disadvantaged communities.

To that end, Wallace awarded a three-year, $5 million grant to help TASC create additional ExpandED Schools and evaluate their impact on student learning, while OSF committed $3.5 million. In addition, Rona and Randolph Nelson and the Charles Stewart Mott, New York Life, andRobert Sterling Clark foundations have provided support for the expansion.

“New Approach to Expanding the School Day Launches Nationally, Provides Students With Full Range of Learning Opportunities.” The After-School Corporation Press Release 12/15/11.

NSF Math Science Partnerships

2011-12-11T06:32:00.001-08:00

The Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program is a major research and development effort that supports innovative partnerships to improve K-12 student achievement in mathematics and science. MSP projects are expected to raise the achievement levels of all students and significantly reduce achievement gaps in the STEM performance of diverse student populations. MSP projects contribute to what is known in K-12 STEM education. All STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields supported by NSF may be involved in this work, with special encouragement to areas that are gaining increased traction at the K-12 level, such as computer science and engineering, in addition to mathematics and science. MSP projects also serve as models that have a sufficiently strong evidence/research base to improve STEM education outcomes for all students. Through this solicitation, NSF seeks to support two levels of Targeted Partnership awards, Implementation and Prototype. Implementation awards are intended to develop and put into practice innovative approaches and strategies in education. Prototype awards explore potentially innovative approaches and strategies in education. Both types of Partnerships incorporate significant new innovations to STEM education, linked to a strong educational research agenda, in one of four focal areas: Community Enterprise for STEM Learning; Current Issues Related to STEM Content; Identifying and Cultivating Exceptional Talent; and K-12 STEM Teacher Preparation. In addition, there are three types of Research, Evaluation and Technical Assistance (RETA) project opportunities in this solicitation: research related to sustainability, or policies, or state plans for STEM education; technical assistance for evaluators of MSP projects; and the STEM Education Resource Collaboratory.

NSF Publication 12-518

DEADLINE: March 5, 2012

Expected Number of Awards:	22
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$55,000,000
Award Ceiling:	$8,000,000
Award Floor:	$1,200,000
CFDA Number(s):	47.076 -- Education and Human Resources

Gates Foundation College Readiness Compacts

2011-12-11T06:30:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced $40 million in funding for cities that have signed Charter-District Collaboration Compacts.

The funding, which includes both grants and program-related investments, will be awarded to cities where district and charter school leaders have pledged to share best practices, innovations, and resources, with the goal of scaling up existing programs designed to prepare students for college and career success.

Launched last December, the compacts program aims to encourage district and charter partners to work together in a range of areas, including teacher effectiveness, college-ready tools and programs, innovative instructional delivery systems and models, and improved use of student-level data. As a condition of the funding, cities also commit to replicating high-performing traditional and public charter school models and to improving or closing schools that are not serving students well.

To date, fourteen cities — Chicago, Illinois; Spring Branch, Texas; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Central Falls, Rhode Island; Denver, Colorado; Hartford, Connecticut; Los Angeles, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Nashville, Tennessee; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York City; Rochester, New York; and Sacramento, California — have signed compact agreements. Additional cities will be announced in the coming weeks.

"These communities are setting examples for mayors, districts, and charter school leaders across the country to work collaboratively, learn from each another, and build upon successful practices," said Vicki L. Phillips, director of education for the College Ready program at the Gates Foundation.

“Gates Foundation Announces Significant Investments Available for Cities Supporting Collaboration, Bold Reform and High-Performing Schools.” Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Press Release 12/06/11.

William T. Grant Foundation Youth Grants

2011-11-07T04:43:00.003-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The William T. Grant Foundation, which supports research to understand and improve the everyday settings of youth between the ages of 8 and 25 in the United States, is accepting Letters of Inquiry for its Investigator Initiated Grants program.

The program is designed to support high-quality research projects that address the foundation's current research interests — enhancing the understanding of how youth social settings work, how they affect youth development, and how they can be improved; and when, how, and under what conditions research evidence is used in policy and practice that affect youth, and how its use can be improved.

Social settings are defined as the social environments in which youth experience daily life. These include environments with clear boundaries such as classrooms, schools, and youth-serving organizations; and those with less prescribed boundaries such as neighborhoods or other settings in which youth interact with peers, family members, and other adults.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be employed at a nonprofit institution, either in the United States or abroad. Proposed projects must be consistent with the foundation's current research interests; address issues that have compelling relevance for theory, policy, and/or practice affecting the settings of youth ages 8 to 25 in the U.S.; and reflect high standards of evidence and rigorous methods.

Investigator-initiated grants usually range from $100,000 to $600,000 for projects of two to three years. Newly initiated experiments in which settings are randomly assigned to condition often have higher awards ranging up to $1.5 million.

Visit the Grant Foundation Web site for complete program guidelines, application procedures, information on previously funded projects, and an FAQ.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Experimental Sites Initiative

2011-10-31T05:59:00.000-07:00

The Department of Education has invited postsecondary education institutions to participate in experiments under the Experimental Sites Initiative.

The Department is interested in gathering data under circumstances that will allow for a reliable evaluation of the experiments. Participating institutions will be expected to gather and report data needed by the Department for this purpose. To support recommendations for change, evidence must be provided that was obtained from both a treatment group of students who participated in the experiment and a control or comparison group of students who received their student aid under existing rules. As for any evaluation design, it is important that the control or comparison group be as similar as possible to the treatment group.

Experiment 1--Federal Pell Grant Program--Eligibility of students with bachelor's degrees who enroll in vocational or career programs.

Experiment 2--Federal Pell Grant Program--Eligibility of students enrolled in certain short-term training programs.

Experiment 3--Direct Loan Program--Single disbursement of a one-term loan for study abroad students.

Experiment 4--Direct Loan Program--Early disbursement for study abroad students and for students enrolled in foreign institutions.

Experiment 5--Direct Loan Program--Unequal disbursements.

Experiment 6--Direct Loan Program--Limiting unsubsidized loan amounts.

Experiment 7--PLUS Loans for parents of students with intellectual disabilities.

Experiment 8--Student Eligibility--Eligibility of students with intellectual disabilities who are also enrolled in high school.

The Department intends to support experiments where the Department can draw causal inferences about the effects of the alternative approach based on a rigorous evaluation design. Examples of the kinds of evaluation and research designs that allow conclusions to be drawn about the effects of an intervention (program, policy, or practice) can be found at ED's What Works Clearinghousehttp://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/.

Click here for full background and a description of the application and evaluation process.

Excerpts for Experiment 1

Excerpts for Experiment 2

Representatives from some state institutions that offer short-term vocational programs have suggested that if the training is directly related to state or local workforce needs, allowing shorter term vocational training programs to be Pell Grant eligible would enable unemployed and underemployed persons to obtain the short-term training required for employment by local or regional employers. While some institutions have developed innovative programs to embed a short-term program within a longer eligible degree or certificate program, such programs may not meet the needs of all potential students.

This is especially true for students from low income backgrounds or those who have work or family responsibilities that prevent them from enrolling in longer term programs. In addition, it is hoped that, under this experiment, institutions that currently offer longer term programs may develop ways that shorten the student's time to completion--such as asynchronous learning, competency based instruction, or other innovative approaches. Such changes to the structure of training programs may allow the program to be shorter than 15 weeks and still maintain Pell Grant eligibility.

The experiment will require that the short-term vocational program at the community college or postsecondary vocational institution must provide training needed to meet local or regional workforce needs, as determined by the institution in consultation with employers or state or local workforce agencies.

The objective of this experiment is to determine if providing Pell Grant funding to support unemployed or underemployed persons enrolled in short-term vocational training programs offered by community colleges and postsecondary vocational institutions increases employment rates or wages of those persons.

Donors Choose Opens

2011-10-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

[from The Erie Community Foundation website] Oct 21, 2011

If you are interested in helping teachers who want to improve reading and math in their classrooms, then Donors Choose might be of great interest to you.

The Erie Community Foundation just partnered with DonorsChoose.org for a “Double Your Impact” program in order to help teachers raise money for exciting classroom projects. Over the past few weeks, teachers have been preparing and posting their projects online.

Beginning TODAY, you can see the school projects on the website www.DonorsChoose.org and make a donation. Just click here.

Through the “Double Your Impact” program, your donation will be matched. The Erie Community Foundation will fund 50% of a project with a total cost of $1000 or less. In fact, anyone across the country can make a donation to Erie County school projects.

The Foundation partnered with Donors Choose because funding has been cut dramatically, and some of our children are not proficient in math and reading, which are two subjects essential to success. By supporting school projects, we can move the needle of one of the key indicators of our community which can be seen at www.ErieVitalSigns.org.

"Our desired impact is to invest in our children by funding projects that create better readers and produce skilled math students who can lead Erie forward," said Anne Sekula, vice president of Programs. "Together, we can make a difference."

Please log on to www.DonorsChoose.org make your donation today! Our children really are our future.

Big Read grants

2011-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment, is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations to develop community-wide reading programs between September 2012 and June 2013.

Organizations selected to participate in the Big Read receive a grant, access to online training resources and opportunities, and educational and promotional materials designed to support widespread community involvement and participation. Approximately seventy-five organizations from throughout the United States will be selected.

Applicant organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; a division of state, local, or tribal government; or a tax-exempt public library. Eligible applicants include such organizations as literary centers, libraries, museums, colleges and universities, art centers, historical societies, arts councils, tribal governments, humanities councils, literary festivals, and arts organizations.

Community organizations participating in the Big Read are expected to develop and produce a well-planned, well-attended, community-wide read with innovative, diverse programming, and widespread community involvement and participation. Activities should last approximately one month and focus on one book or poet from the Big Read Library.

Organizations may apply for grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 each, depending on community size and number of activities planned. Grants must be matched at least 1 to 1 with nonfederal funds. Grant funds may be used for such expenses as book purchases, speaker fees and travel, salaries, advertising, and venue rental.

Visit the Big Read Web site for complete program guidelines, project development resources, and application materials.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Blended Learning Funded

2011-10-13T07:01:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The NewSchools Venture Fund has announced that it helped close a $2.1 million seed round of funding for blended learning start-up Education Elements to expand its online learning and educational technology services.

The funds will enable Education Elements, which also received investments from Tugboat Ventures, venture capitalist Wally Hawley, and education investors Imagine K12, to continue building out its team, software, and services. The company's products are designed to make it easy and cost-effective for schools to implement "blended learning," an approach involving online resources and traditional classroom instruction, as a way to personalize learning and enable teachers to focus on small-group instruction.

In addition to helping schools design customized blended learning solutions and embed online content and data into daily instruction, Education Elements has developed a streamlined technology platform that eases the introduction of online learning into a school's curriculum and operations. Clients include KIPP LA Schools, Mission Dolores Academy, IDEA Public Schools, and Alliance College-Ready Public Schools.

“Blended Learning Startup Education Elements Raises $2.1 Million to Expand Upon Early Success.” NewSchools Venture Fund Press Release 10/05/11.

Youth Technology Grants

2011-10-13T06:57:00.001-07:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest] The ESA Foundation, a philanthropic vehicle of the Entertainment Software Association, is dedicated to supporting programs that make a difference in the lives of America's youth.
The foundation is accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations that provide programs and services utilizing technology and/or computer and video games to educate America's youth and young adults (ages 7 to 18).
Applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental units exempt under Section 115 and described in Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funding must be sought for a specific project or program that is or will be implemented or available nationwide or in a minimum of two states in the United States.
In general, the ESA Foundation does not accept applications for endowments, operating support, benefit and event fundraisers, annual fund appeals, youth sports teams, religious organizations for religious purposes, political organizations or campaigns, labor groups, indirect costs, research, or from fiscal agents. Grants are not made to individuals or for projects outside the United States of America.

The grant application deadline is May 15, 2011 for projects to be implemented in 2012. First-time awardees will be considered for grants of up to $50,000 each. Visit the ESA Web site for complete program guidelines and application procedures.

Link to Complete RFP

Lowe's awards education grants

2011-10-03T05:25:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] In conjunction with the start of the 2011-12 school year, Lowe's has announced grants totaling more than $4 million to support education programs across the country.

Through the Lowe's Toolbox for Education initiative, Lowe's Charitable and Education Foundation awarded grants totaling $1.35 million to eighteen schools for school improvement projects, including rebuilding, repair and renovation efforts, and the installation of SMART Board technology. And as part of a larger $1 million commitment to help rebuild schools damaged by natural disasters, the foundation awarded $250,000 to schools affected by severe weather and natural disasters this spring.

Grant recipients include Teach for America, which will receive $750,000 in support of its programs; the United Negro College Fund ($500,000); the Hispanic Scholarship Fund ($250,000); and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund ($100,000). In addition, the foundation awarded $500,000 over five years to Project L.I.F.T. (Leadership and Investment for Transformation) to help support Charlotte's public school system; 140 scholarships totaling $350,000 to high school seniors planning to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States; and fifty Carl Buchan scholarships totaling $250,000 to full- and part-time Lowe's employees, their spouses, domestic partners, and dependents.

“Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation Kicks off 2011 School Year With More Than $4 Million in Educational Grants.”Lowe's Press Release 9/26/11.

Computer Science Education Act

2011-09-23T05:49:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) have introduced the Computer Science Education Act, which will help prepare Americans for the more than 1.5 million high-wage computing jobs that are expected to be created in the U.S. by 2018. The bill will help states to increase and strengthen their computer science offerings in K-12 education.

"With significant job creation over the next decade in industries fueled by computer science, better K-12 instruction in this STEM field is critical to our economic competitiveness,” said Senator Casey. “To help our schools improve computer science instruction, I am proud to introduce the Computer Science Education Act in the Senate. This legislation will give more students the opportunity to study computer science and position themselves for the jobs of the future."

“Computer science careers will provide good paying jobs for Americans and prepare our economy to compete and win the global market,” said Congressman Polis. “America can only succeed economically if our workforce is prepared for the best paying jobs, such as those in computer science. If America’s is to remain an economic superpower—and if we’re to support jobs for the middle class—we must be the world’s leader in computer science education.”

“The Computer Science Education Act encourages states to examine what is going on in local computer science classrooms and consider how to give students educational opportunities that support lucrative, rewarding careers and contribute to the most dynamic, innovative industry in the United States,” according to Maggie Johnson, Google’s Director of Education and University Relations. “Computer science must be accommodated in our nation’s classrooms if we want to be successful in the 21st Century.”

Between 2004 and 2008, the number of computer-related bachelor's degrees granted in the U.S. fell from roughly 60,000 to 38,000. The availability of introductory secondary school computer science courses has also decreased—by 17 percent since 2005—and the number of Advanced Placement (AP) computer science courses has decreased by 33 percent.

While some states allow computer science courses to count toward a secondary school core graduation requirements, most states that have specific course requirements for graduation count computer science courses only as electives. Many states also do not have a certification process for computer science teachers, and where certification processes do exist, such processes often have no connection to computer science content.

To reverse these troubling trends and prepare Americans for jobs in this high-wage, high-growth field, the Computer Science Education Act will:

Ensure computer science offerings are an integral part of the curriculum;
Develop state computer science standards, curriculum, and assessments;
Improve access to underserved populations;
Create professional development and teacher certification initiatives, including computer science teacher preparation programs in higher education;
Form a commission on computer science education to bring states together to address the computer science teacher certification crisis; and,
Establish an independent, rigorous evaluation of state efforts with reporting back to Congress and the administration.

The bill would provide two-year competitive planning grants to states, as well as five-year competitive implementation grants to states to support their plans to increase and strengthen schools’ capacity to offer effective computer science education.

###

Erie Community Foundation "Double Your Impact" program

2011-09-19T05:34:00.001-07:00

[from the Erie Community Foundation website] The Erie Community Foundation is pleased to announce our new partnership with DonorsChoose.org for a “Double Your Impact” Program. In lieu of the Erie Community Foundation's Link to Learning Mini-Grants, the Foundation is partnering with Donors Choose in order to leverage additional funding for school projects. Through Donors Choose, teachers from the public school system, can log on, post their project and encourage donations. Once half of the project has been funded, The Erie Community Foundation will match the funding for the project to be complete. Projects can cost up to $1,000, and the projects must focus on math and or literacy in the classrooms of Erie County Schools.

"Our desired impact is to invest in our children by funding projects that create better readers and produce skilled math students that can lead Erie forward," said Mike Batchelor, president of The Erie Community Foundation.

To learn more about Donors Choose, you can click here.

"As indicated by Erie Vital Signs, Family and community factors affect how well children learn, leaving our at-risk children behind. Research has shown that children affected by risk factors such as poverty, family status, or poor school systems, are more likely to enter school behind their peers, struggle in school, or drop out altogether," said Anne Sekula, vice president of Programs for The Erie Community Foundation. "Through Donors Choose, donors can become involved with projects and we are also able to track progress of projects in order to move the needle on math and literacy, which are part of our Vital Signs indicators."

DonorsChoose.org is a nonprofit organization that connects public school teachers in need of classroom materials and experiences with individual donors who want to help. AtDonorsChoose.org, public school teachers submit project requests for the specific materials their students need to learn. Donors from across the country browse the website and fund the projects they find most compelling.

Teachers can begin posting projects now and that will qualify for funding starting October 6, 2011

All full-time, front-line educators at public School (teachers, librarians, guidance counselors, and school nurse) who spend at least 75% of their time working with the students are eligible to request materials at www.DonorsChoose.org .

Debate programs to be supported

2011-09-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

Open Society Foundations Award $20 Million to Strengthen Debate Programs

The Open Society Foundations have announced the launch of Global Debate, a $20 million initiative designed to strengthen debate programs on campuses around the world.

As part of the foundation's ongoing efforts to engage young people in important policy issues, the program will provide up to three years of funding to colleges, universities, and other educational institutions looking to integrate debate across multiple disciplines. In partnership with theInternational Debate Education Association, the program will be available to institutions that either have small debate programs or none at all, as well as institutions attempting to promote public debate within the broader communities they serve.

The funding will also support an online debate mentorship program, the creation of educational materials, international debate tournaments and competitions, a series of Open Society Debates on issues of global concern, and a Global Debate and Public Policy Challenge that will host a debate between the world's leading university debaters, policy makers, and academics.

"Debate helps students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills and challenges them to consider global issues from a perspective other than their own," said Open Society Foundations Youth Initiativedirector Noel Selegzi. "Debate is a key component to an open society and encourages new ideas, reasoned arguments, and open minds. Debate helps us recognize that public policy is best developed when the force of an argument, and not the argument of force, is most potent."

“Debate Programs Get $20 Million Boost on Campuses Worldwide.”Open Society Foundations Press Release 9/14/11.

Discovery Research K-12 program - STEM

2011-09-19T05:23:00.001-07:00

The Discovery Research K-12 program (DRK-12) seeks to significantly enhance the learning and teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by preK-12 students, teachers, administrators and parents. All DRK-12 projects should be framed around a research question or hypothesis that addresses an important need or topic in preK-12 STEM education. The emphasis in DRK-12 is on research projects that study the development, testing, deployment, effectiveness, and/or scale-up of innovative resources, models and tools. DRK-12 invites proposals that address immediate challenges that are facing preK-12 STEM education as well as those that anticipate a radically different structure and function of pre-K 12 teaching and learning. DRK-12 especially encourages proposals that challenge existing assumptions about learning and teaching within or across STEM fields, envision the future needs of learners, and consider new and innovative ways to support student and teacher learning. DRK-12 is particularly interested in projects that hold promise for identifying and developing the next generation of STEM innovators (NSB, 2010). There are four strands described in detail in the solicitation: 1) Assessment; 2) Learning; 3) Teaching; 4) Scale-up.DRK-12 projects are based on theories of learning, prior research and development. Projects reflect the needs of an increasingly diverse population as well as national, state, or discipline priorities. Outcomes include usable and scalable resources, models, tools, and contributions to the knowledge about STEM teaching and learning. In addition, teachers and students who participate in DRK-12 studies are expected to enhance their understanding and use of STEM content, practices and skills.The DRK-12 program is primarily concerned with the goals and effectiveness of formal education, but recognizes that learning is not limited to formal school environments and times. The program encourages projects to draw from knowledge and practice of learning in out-of-school and informal settings.Most young people and STEM professionals today use powerful technologies in the activities of their everyday lives. New knowledge, new ways of thinking, and new ways of finding and processing information drive our society and economy. Many of the resources, models and tools researched and developed by DRK-12 will provide innovative ways to use current and emerging technologies to transform STEM education.DRK-12 recognizes that outstanding teaching is a critical and integral component of this improvement process. While Strand 3 has a specific focus on resources, models and tools for teacher education and the impact of those models on student learning, projects submitted to the other strands may also include teacher support materials or professional development components in support of student learning. Projects submitted to the Learning strand might also include the development of assessments related to the specific goals of the project. Some DRK-12 projects focus on a specific STEM discipline or concept, while others have cross-disciplinary, cross-grade level content, but all projects must demonstrate that the content is important from both a disciplinary and learning perspective. Full Research and Development projects are expected to lead to successful dissemination and adoption of findings or products in the preK-12 enterprise at a scale beyond that directly supported by the grant.

NSF Publication 11-588

Low-cost computers for kids

2011-09-12T05:25:00.000-07:00

[from "Free Money Ate My Brain"] In an attempt at dealing with the digital divide in our country (which, two decades into the popularization of the internet, is still alive and well), Comcast, the cable communications company, has started a program within its high-speed internet service areas for kids who receive free school lunches called Internet Essentials. It's a program that provides home internet access for $9.95 a month, and the opportunity to buy a lower-cost computer.

To qualify, you must have a least one child in the household receiving free school lunches, not have had Comcast internet in the last 90 days, and no unreturned equipment or overdues with Comcast--and live in their high-speed service areas. To get more information and an application, call 1-800-846-8376. Fill it out, send it back with your child's lunch documentation, and you will hear from them in 7 to 10 days. They will also send you information about applying for a lower-cost($149.95, plus tax) computer, and free computer training.

For other possible ways to get low-cost computers, try this blog entry, or this one from aidpage.

Race to the Top requirements posted

2011-09-12T05:12:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The U.S. Department of Education has announced proposed requirements for the third phase of its Race to the Top (RTT) competition. RTT is the DOE's $4.35 billion effort to re-shape America's educational system so as to better engage and prepare students for success in a competitive twenty-first century economy. Nine second-round finalists — Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and South Carolina — have been invited to apply for $200 million in funding to support a portion of their previously established RTT plan.

States competing for funding in this round will be expected to submit an application that both demonstrates a commitment to education reform and contains a detailed budget and narrative explaining how their plan will have the greatest impact on the state's education system, including a description of their plan to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Final award sizes will be determined by each state's population and plan. Under current proposals, Colorado, Louisiana, South Carolina and Kentucky are eligible to apply for up to $12.25 million; Arizona can apply for up to $17.5 million; Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey are eligible for up to $28 million; and California can apply for up to $49 million.

The Department of Education expects that proposals will express a commitment to the four reform areas that define Race to the Top: the adoption of standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace; building data systems that measure student growth and success and inform teachers and principals how to improve instruction; recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals; and turning around consistently low-performing schools.

"Through Race to the Top, these nine states helped lead the way in laying the groundwork for key education reform around the country," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "We look forward to working with them in round three as they continue their work and transform their plans into significant investments that improve education for more students."

“U.S. Department of Education Releases Proposed Requirements for Race to the Top Round Three.” U.S. Department of Education Press Release 9/07/11.

Invitation to join teacher evaluation program

2011-08-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

PDE to launch Phase II of the teacher evaluation program

Building upon its Phase I pilot, the PA Department of Education will conduct a Phase II teacher evaluation pilot program during the 2011-12 school year and seeks participants for the initiative.

PDE invites school districts, charter schools, intermediate units and career and technical centers to join them in the development of a new teacher evaluation system, which is scheduled to be formally introduced during the 2012-13 school year.

(Reposted from TEAM PA Foundation newsletter)

Wallace Foundation supports principal initiative

2011-08-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Wallace Foundation has announced the launch of a five-year, $75 million initiative designed to help six urban school districts develop and groom qualified principals and determine whether the investment improves student achievement, especially in high-need schools.

Based on ten years of research, Wallace has identified four key parts of a "principal pipeline" that it believes can develop and ensure the success of a sufficient number of principals to meet a school district's needs: rigorous job requirements, high-quality training, selective hiring, and on-the-job evaluation and support. The initiative will provide the participating districts with up to $12.5 million over the next five years to develop, hire, and support effective school principals. Funding from Wallace, however, will account for only two-thirds of the total investment; the districts will be required to make up the remaining third as a condition of the grants.

Selected from a pool of ninety candidates, the six districts are Charlotte-Mecklenburg in North Carolina; Denver; Gwinnett County in Georgia; Hillsborough County in Florida; New York City; and Prince George's County in Maryland. In the initiative's first phase, Wallace will distribute a total of $21.35 million, including up to $17 million to build the pipeline in the six districts and up to $3.5 million for independent research that will examine the districts' efforts and answer a number of questions.

The foundation also will make additional grants to provide the districts with needed expertise and learning opportunities, including $600,000 to the Education Development Center to work with each district to assess the quality of its leader training programs and $250,000 to the New York City Leadership Academy to help create a "learning community" that will enable participants to exchange ideas, discuss common problems, and engage with evaluators and other experts.

“The Wallace Foundation Launches Major 'Principal Pipeline' Initiative to Help School Districts Build Corps of Effective School Leaders.” Wallace Foundation Press Release 8/23/11.

Motorola invests $5.5M in STEM

2011-08-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Motorola Solutions Foundation in Schaumburg, Illinois, has announced grants totaling $5.5 million to one hundred nonprofits working to provide science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education programs to students across the United States.

Awarded through the foundation's Innovation Generation initiative, the grants will support interactive afterschool programs and camps, science and math clubs, and mentoring programs for more than a hundred thousand teachers and students, from preschool to university.

This year's grantees all support the initiative's four focus areas, which include teaching STEM subjects while also developing innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills; focusing on girls and minorities, who are currently underrepresented in STEM fields; engaging students and teachers in innovative, hands-on activities; and leveraging the skills and experience of Motorola Solutions employees by involving them in volunteer programs where they can help teach and inspire students.

Two recent studies from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration found that those working in STEM fields experience lower rates of unemployment and earn 26 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts. Furthermore, women working in STEM fields, who account for fewer than 25 percent of total jobs in the field, earn 33 percent more on average than do women in other fields.

“Motorola Solutions Foundation Announces 2011 Innovation Generation Grant Recipients.” Motorola Foundation Press Release 8/15/11.

Lowe's Toolbox for Education

2011-08-15T13:14:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

The Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant program, funded by the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, provides grant awards of up to $5,000 to support school improvement projects at public schools throughout the U.S. Now in its sixth year, the program has donated over $25 million to more than five thousand K-12 schools, benefiting over two million schoolchildren.

For the 2011-12 program, basic needs will take priority. There is a preference for funding requests that have a permanent impact such as facility enhancement (both indoor and outdoor) as well as landscaping/cleanup projects. Projects that encourage parent involvement and build stronger community spirit will be favored. Please note the grant money cannot be used to pay for memorials, stipends, salaries, artists in residence, field trips, scholarships, or third party funding.

Sample project ideas include reading gardens, vegetable gardens, physical fitness areas, school landscaping projects, school nature trails, parent involvement centers, peer tutoring centers, playgrounds, and rotating student art exhibits.

Any individual U.S. public K-12 school or nonprofit parent group associated with a public K-12 school is eligible to apply. Parent groups that are applying (PTO, PTA, etc.) must have an independent EIN and official 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. Groups without 501(c)(3) status should apply through their school. Preschools are not eligible.

Grant request must be between $2,000 and $5,000 per school. Lowe's will donate $5 million to schools and school parent/teacher groups at more than one thousand different schools during the school year.

The deadline for submitting applications for the fall 2011 grant cycle is October 14, 2011. However, if 1,500 or more applications are received before the application deadline, the application process will close.

Visit the Toolbox for Education Web site for complete program guidelines, application materials, sample project ideas, and successful sample grant application.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Summer internships funded

2011-07-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has announced grants totaling more than $1 million to support paid summer internships for high school students at nonprofits in forty-five cities across the United States and London.

Awarded through BofA's Student Leaders program, the grants will help the organizations meet increased demand for their services while addressing the national problem of teen unemployment.

Eight-week internships will be awarded to 230 high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to community service. The goals of the program include fostering the development of the next generation of leaders who will work to create positive change, strengthening the capacity of nonprofits in communities served by the bank, and expanding BofA's efforts to create a culture of service that strengthens local communities.

In addition to the internships, the students will participate in a weeklong Bank of America Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where they will attend several Capitol Hill briefings and a series of interactive workshops on financial education, environmental sustainability, and nonprofit leadership.

"In communities across the country, teens are disproportionately affected by high unemployment rates," said Bank of America Charitable Foundation president Kerry Sullivan. "Our Student Leaders program helps civic-minded youth find paid employment while gaining valuable workforce skills that ultimately benefits the economic health of local communities. We view the Student Leaders program as an opportunity to engage young people in solving critical issues while also supporting nonprofits by providing valuable services to individuals and families in need."

“Bank of America Invests More Than $1 Million in Paid Summer Internships at Nonprofit Organizations.” Bank of America Charitable Foundation Press Release 7/11/11.

Walmart Foundation Awards $3.2 Million to Boost Young Adult Service

2011-07-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest] The Walmart Foundation in Bentonville, Arkansas, has announced a $3.2 million grant to Boston-based City Year to provide training to young volunteers working with students in high-poverty schools across the nation.

The grant, which renews Walmart's corporate partnership with City Year, will fund training for more than four thousand City Year AmeriCorps members between the ages of 17 and 24 and their supervisors. The training is part of City Year's Whole School, Whole Child service model, which incorporates online learning options, school-based observation, and tutoring in math and literacy. In addition, the foundation announced grants totaling $505,000 to support City Year efforts in seven locations: San Jose, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Miami, Detroit, Columbia (South Carolina), and New York City.

“Walmart Foundation Makes $3.2 Million Grant to City Year.” PR Newswire 7/14/11.

Thompson Introduces Bill to Address Inequities in Federal Education Funding

2011-07-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

From Glenn Thompson's website:
Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) today formally introduced H.R. 2485, the All Children are Equal (ACE) Act, to a standing-room-only audience of reporters, education reform advocates, and supporting organizations. The ACE Act fixes a gross inequity in the way formulas are calculated under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which provides funds to local school districts in order to improve the education of disadvantaged students.

The current formula has the perverse effect of diverting funding from higher poverty school districts to more populous school districts, regardless of the actual poverty rates. The ACE Act will be an equitable solution to ensure that all Title I eligible children will be treated equally under the law.

“The ACE Act levels the playing field for impoverished students and ensures that funding is equitable in accordance with the original intent of the law,” said Thompson. “No child should be put at a disadvantage because of their geographic location or the size of their school, and the ACE Act will ensure that all children are truly treated in an equal manner.”

The ACE Act would gradually phase out the current number weighting system used to calculate Title I amounts, to assure that school districts are treated based upon their percentages of poverty, rather than population.

"We must all recognize that a Title I eligible child should not be put at a disadvantage because of where he or she lives and how big or small their school district is – all children should be equal," added Thompson. “The ACE Act does not cost the taxpayer one dime and simply fixes a systemic flaw that keeps Title I funds from those most in need, including every single Title I eligible child in the 5th Congressional District.”

Representative Thompson formally introduced H.R. 2485 this morning with Representatives G. K. Butterfield (D-NC), Tom Petri (R-WI), Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Lou Barletta (R-PA). The bill has five additional original cosponsors, including Representatives Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Todd Russell Platts (R-PA), Dan Boren (D-OK), Richard Hanna (R-NY)and Mike Ross (D-AR). The ACE Act has the support of a diverse range of advocacy groups, which have rallied behind Thompson’s efforts.

Supporting Organizations:

Save the Children, American Association of School Administrators, National Alliance of Black School Educators, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Pennsylvania Association of Rural & Small Schools, Arkansas Rural Education Association, California Small School Districts’ Association, Center for Rural Affairs, Challenge West Virginia, Michigan Small & Rural Schools Association, Minnesota Rural Education Association, Missouri Association of Rural Education, Montana Small Schools Alliance, National Farmers Union, National Rural Education Advocacy Coalition, National Rural Education Association, North Carolina Rural Education Working Group, Organizations Concerned About Rural Education, Rural Community Alliance (AR), The Rural School and Community Trust, Save Alabama’s Small schools, South Carolina Rural Education Grassroots Group, Southern Echo, Tennessee School Systems for Equity, Texas Rural Education Association, Vermont Rural Partnership, YouthBuild, USA.

Original Cosponsors:

Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC)

Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA)

Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX)

Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI)

Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA)

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY)

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA)

Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR)

Rep. Todd Russell Platts (R-PA)

Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK)

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring

2011-07-26T05:16:00.001-07:00

Funding Opportunity Number: 11-563

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) Program seeks to identify outstanding mentoring efforts that enhance the participation and retention of individuals (including persons with disabilities, women and minorities) who might not otherwise have considered or had access to opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The awardees serve as leaders in the national effort to develop fully the nation's human resources in STEM.IMPORTANT INFORMATION The PAESMEM program has changed from awarding grants for future efforts to awards bestowed for past work.Former recipients of the Individual PAESMEM award are not eligible. Former recipients of the Organizational PAESMEM award may apply for the Individual award 10 years or more after receiving the award.Eligibility has been expanded. Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has done exemplary, measurable mentoring is eligible, including federal employees (see Announcement) and individuals or organizations in the private sector.

NSF Publication 11-563

Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP)

2011-07-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

The Department of Health (Department) has been awarded funding for the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP). PREP funding is mandatory formula funding for states and territories from the Administration for Children and Families. PREP funds are to be used for programs that educate adolescents on abstinence, contraception and adulthood preparation subjects including healthy relationships, adolescent development, healthy life skills, financial literacy, parent-child communication and educational and career success.

The Department plans to issue a Request for Application (RFA) for institutions and organizations in this Commonwealth to support personal responsibility education programs that replicate evidence-based effective program models (Rikers Health Advocacy Program or Street Smart) to change behavior, which means delaying sexual activity, increasing condom or contraceptive use for sexually active youth or reducing pregnancy among youth. The RFA, along with any supporting documentation, will be posted at http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us on June 24, 2011. No questions regarding this RFA will be answered outside the normal RFA process.

Persons with a disability who require an alternative format of this document (for example, large print, audio tape or Braille) should contact Abigail Coleman, Public Health Program Administrator, Division of Child and Adult Health at (717) 772-2762, or for speech and/or hearing impaired persons contact V/T (717) 783-6514, or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Services (800) 654-5984.

Family Literacy grants

2011-06-24T12:02:00.001-07:00

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is pleased to announce our 2012 National Grant competition. The Foundation's grant-making program seeks to develop or expand projects designed to support the development of literacy skills for adult primary care givers and their children. A total of approximately $650,000 will be awarded; no grant request should exceed $65,000.
In order to be considered eligible for a grant, an organization must meet the following criteria:
-The organization must have current nonprofit or public status and have been in existence for two or more years as of the date of the application
-The organization must have maintained fiscal accountability
-The organization must operate an instructional literacy program that has been in existence for at least 2 years, and includes one or more of the following components: literacy for adults; parent education; pre-literacy or literacy instruction for children pre-k to grade 3; intergenerational literacy activities.
Here are General Instructions and Application Guidelines, with Checklist. Your completed application package, one original and one copy, should be mailed directly to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy at the address listed below. The application package must be received by the close of business, September 9, 2011. No exceptions will be made. Please note that no supporting documentation or letters of endorsement will be accepted under separate cover or at a later date. Due to the length of the application, material transmitted via FAX will not be sent or accepted.
Should you have additional questions, please call (202) 955-6183 between the hours of 1:00-5:00 pm EDT.

Science Collaboration Program

2011-06-22T06:47:00.001-07:00

CFDA Number	11.462
Agency	U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Applicant Eligibility	Eligibility is limited to non-Federal public and private, non-profit colleges and universities which offer advanced degrees in NOAA-related sciences, consortia of non-profit academic institutions of higher learning, and non-profit research institutions. Applications will only be accepted from single institutions. Multi-institution proposals will not be accepted.
Total Funding Available	$60,000,000
Maximum Grant Size	$60,000,000
Number of Awards	1
Contact Name	Sam Contorno
Contact Phone	301-713-0640 x 163
Contact Email	samuel.contorno@noaa.gov
Program URL	http://www.grants.gov/sea...vT2nyJKv2Y1LtkNpb7!919371409
Home Page	http://www.noaa.gov
Date Posted	6/21/2011
Summary	The NOAA Science Collaboration Program represents an effort to support the development of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers and scientists with expertise in NOAA-related sciences. This will be accomplished through collaborations between these scientists and professionals in areas of mutual interest across the full spectrum of NOAA sciences. It is expected that some of the scientists will collaborate onsite at NOAA facilities and laboratories. NOAA will also support associated workshops that will serve to further enhance collaborative relationships. Through this funding opportunity, NOAA is also interested in supporting research that evaluates the impact of NOAA-related science to society and seeks to find ways to determine how environmental and related sciences can be communicated and utilized more effectively to protect life and property, assist decision makers, and enhance economic development.

Women in STEM grants

2011-06-20T04:59:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

The Elsevier Foundation is seeking new grant proposals for its New Scholars program, which provides funding for projects to help support women scholars during the early stages of their careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The program is designed to actively address the attrition rate of talented women scientists caused by the difficulty of balancing a demanding academic career with family responsibilities.

The foundation provides grants to STEM institutions and organizations that are working towards a more equitable academia by: encouraging networking and collaborations among institutions and/or across STEM disciplines in ways that support faculty and staff with family responsibilities; developing and implementing strategies to promote knowledge, awareness, and application of programs to retain, recruit, and develop women in science; and/or enabling scientists to attend conferences, meetings, workshops, and symposia that are critical to the development of a career in science by helping them with childcare and other family responsibilities when attending scientific gatherings.

Grants will range between $5,000 and $50,000 per year for up to three years.

Proposals will be accepted online beginning July 1, 2011.

Visit the Elsevier Foundation Web site for complete program guidelines and application procedures.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Doctoral student grants

2011-06-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

300 awards available

The National Science Foundation's Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS), Division of Social and Economic Sciences (SES), National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), and the SBE Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (SMA) award grants to doctoral students to improve the quality of dissertation research. These grants provide funds for items not normally available through the student's university. Additionally, these grants allow doctoral students to undertake significant data-gathering projects and to conduct field research in settings away from their campus that would not otherwise be possible. Proposals are judged on the basis of their scientific merit, including the theoretical importance of the research question and the appropriateness of the proposed data and methodology to be used in addressing the question. In an effort to improve the quality of dissertation research, many programs in both BCS and SES, the Research on Science and Technology Surveys and Statistics program within NCSES, and the Science of Science and Innovation Policy program in SMA accept doctoral dissertation improvement grant proposals. Requirements vary across programs, so proposers are advised to consult the relevant program's webpage for specific information and contact the program director if necessary.The following Programs support dissertation research:Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS)Archaeology Cultural Anthropology Documenting Endangered Languages Geography and Spatial Sciences Linguistics Physical Anthropology Division of Social and Economic Sciences (SES)Decision, Risk and Management Sciences Economics Law and Social Science Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics Political Science Science, Technology, and Society Sociology National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES)Research on Science and Technology Surveys and Statistics Program SBE Office of Multidisciplinary Activities Science of Science and Innovation Policy For a list of cognizant program officers for the programs listed above, please visit the SBE Doctoral Dissertation Contact List.

NSF Publication 11-547

Early Education Partnerships to Expand Protective Factors for Children with Child Welfare Involvement

2011-06-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Early Head Start Agencies and Head Start Agencies are eligible applicants. Faith-based and community organizations that meet eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement. Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorship organizations are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.

The purpose of this FOA is to support school-based initiatives to implement multi-disciplinary interventions building on protective factors for children who are at risk of child abuse and neglect or are currently in the child welfare system. Applications will represent viable partnerships that include commitments from child welfare and early childhood (e.g., Head Start, Early Head Start, State Pre-K) and may involve health and mental health organizations. These 17-month infrastructure building grants will improve collaboration between early childhood and child welfare programs with the goal of maximizing the number of children involved in the child welfare system who are enrolled in early childhood programs.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/foa/view/HHS-2011-ACF-ACYF-CO-0185

Framework for Learning grants, Degree Qualifications

2011-05-18T11:19:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Lumina Foundation has announced three grants totaling $2.35 million to test and refine the beta version of its Degree Qualifications Profile, a framework for defining the knowledge and skills individual students need to earn an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree.

The foundation awarded $1.5 million to the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges to transform its accreditation process with an eye toward assuring clearer standards for graduation rates, levels of learning, and degree outcomes. Using a four-phased process, WASC will redesign the process for member schools in California and Hawaii with the Degree Qualifications Profile as a central reference point. The work is expected to be completed by the fall of 2014.

In addition, the Higher Learning Commission and the Council of Independent Colleges each received grants of $425,000 to explore the applicability and usefulness of the Degree Profile model. To that end, HLC will recruit a cohort of twenty diverse institutions, including community colleges, that are eligible for the region's Open Pathway model, while CIC also will recruit a number of schools to apply and test the model.

"We hope to learn both how well the draft profile works as a common definition for degree levels and whether it can plan an ongoing role in the accreditation process," said HLC president Sylvia Manning. "Does the Degree Qualifications Profile offer descriptions of attainment for American higher education that are broad and flexible enough to fit such a diverse enterprise but also specific and substantive enough to constitute a valid standard? And how might it be improved?"

“Lumina Foundation Awards Three Degree Profile Grants: Testing a New Framework for Learning.” Lumina Foundation Press Release 5/12/11.

UEDA Identifies "Talent Development", "Innovation and Entrepreneurship", and "Research and Analysis" among Categories in 2011 Awards of Excellence Com

2011-05-18T11:06:00.001-07:00

May 17, 2011

The University of Economic Development Association (UEDA) has announced that nominations are currently open for UEDA's 2011 Awards of Excellence. Nominations are due by June 30.

Click here for complete background and a description of the application process.

There are five new Award of Excellence categories for 2011:

Several of the category examples may be of interest to the workforce community. The Talent Development award focuses on the partnerships needed to create flexible, responsive career pathways to expanding business, offering as an example "collaboration between a community college and a research university to develop a new certificate program in sustainable manufacturing." The Research and Analysis ategory focuses on the capacity of colleges and universities to provide new forms of research and to design the next generation of analytic tools for community, economic and workforce development practitioners.

STEP-UP Short Term Education program

2011-05-17T05:22:00.000-07:00

Description

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications from institutions to implement and evaluate the NIDDK Short-Term Education Program for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP). STEP-UP is a national program designed to provide ten to twelve weeks of summer research education and training for high school and undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in the NIDDK mission areas including diabetes, endocrinology, metabolism, nutrition, obesity, and digestive, liver, urologic, kidney, and hematologic diseases.

Link to Full Announcement

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-11-011.html

Talent Dividend Prizes

2011-05-17T05:20:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Kresge Foundation in Troy, Michigan, has announced that more than fifty metropolitan areas have entered its $1 million Talent Dividend Prize competition, which aims to boost college attainment in U.S. cities by 1 percent.

Supported by Kresge and the Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation for Education, the prize will be awarded to the metropolitan area with the greatest increase in the number of post-secondary degrees granted per capita over three years. The metropolitan area that wins can use the prize to launch a national promotional campaign centered on talent development. Kresge also announced that it will award up to $570,000 in $10,000 challenge grants to cities that secure a like amount of support from donors to support local college achievement.

According to CEOs for Cities, the nonprofit organization that will award the prize, a 1 percent increase in college attainment would spur an estimated $124 billion a year in increased earnings nationwide. "There are huge financial gains that can be achieved through small improvements in educational attainment in our cities," said CEOs for Cities president and CEO Lee Fisher. "This competition is part of our ongoing effort to generate awareness — and ultimately action — among urban leaders of the potential economic returns that can be achieved by increasing the rate of college degrees by just 1 percentage point. Simply put, the more educated a city's population, the more robust its economy will be."

“$1 Million Competition Aims to Boost Number of College Grads in Urban Centers Across the U.S..” Kresge Foundation Press Release 5/10/11.

Math Sciences Workforce Program

2011-05-09T09:39:00.001-07:00

The long-range goal of the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) Workforce program is to increase the number of well-prepared U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who pursue careers in the mathematical sciences and in other NSF-supported disciplines. The Research Training Groups in the Mathematical Sciences (RTG) activity is a part of the Workforce program. RTG supports education through research involvement in groups centered on a common research interest that span the entire spectrum of educational levels from undergraduates through postdoctoral associates.

NSF Publication 11-540

American Graduate Initiative

2011-05-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has announced the launch of a $4.4 million public media initiative to help improve high school graduation rates in the United States.

Public radio and television stations located in twenty community "hubs" where the dropout crisis is most acute will receive grants through the American Graduate initiative. In turn, the stations will provide resources and services designed to raise awareness of the dropout crisis, coordinate action with community partners, and work directly with students, parents, teachers, mentors, volunteers, and leaders to lower dropout rates. Stations in up to forty additional markets will receive grants through the National Center for Media Engagement. In addition, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through its support of CPB's Teacher Town Halls and the StoryCorps National Teachers Initiative, will give teachers a way to share their perspectives and experiences with helping all students graduate high school.

American Graduate builds on the success of public media in early childhood education to reach students in middle school — the stage in a young person's life when the disengagement that leads to dropping out often begins. Research shows that every year more than one million students drop out of high school. If the trend persists over the next decade, experts predict that it will cost the country more than $3 trillion in lost wages, productivity, and taxes.

"Public radio and television stations are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, and they have demonstrated time and again that they are an important resource in helping to address critical issues such as the mortgage crisis, at the local level," said CPB president and CEO Patricia Harrison. "Through American Graduate, public media will 'make it happen' by helping communities take on a new challenge — high school graduation rates — to create a more promising future for our children, the economy, and the entire nation."

“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting Introduces Initiative to Combat the Dropout Crisis.” Corporation for Public Broadcasting Press Release 5/03/11.

Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation

2011-05-04T05:39:00.001-07:00

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program provides funding for new, mid-level and senior-level alliances, the Bridge to the Doctorate (LSAMP-BD) Activity, and knowledge generation activities in broadening participation, e.g., research on topics in STEM education related to retention and persistence of students from populations underrepresented in STEM majors and careers. In FY2012, the program plans to support up to two pilot regional Louis Stokes Centers of Excellence in Broadening Participation which will further scholarly research in broadening participation in STEM disciplines and mentor institutions regionally that have interest in increasing STEM B. S. degrees to underrepresented minorities but are not currently participating in one of the 41 existing alliances.

The LSAMP program assists universities and colleges in diversifying the STEM workforce through their efforts at significantly increasing the numbers of students successfully completing high quality degree programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Particular emphasis is placed on transforming STEM education through innovative recruitment and retention strategies and experiences in support of groups that historically have been underrepresented in STEM disciplines: African-Americans, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Pacific Islanders. The knowledge generation portfolio contributes to the body of literature on successful practices in student recruitment, retention, persistence, and attainment of STEM undergraduate and graduate degrees, especially for the previously mentioned populations underrepresented in STEM disciplines.

Managed synergistically, the LSAMP program enables seamless transitions from pre-college to the STEM baccalaureate to attainment of the doctorate and entry to the STEM professoriate. Support begins at the baccalaureate level with emphasis on development of broad-based regional and national alliances of academic institutions, school districts, state and local governments, and the private sector to increase the diversity and quality of the STEM workforce. Eligible LSAMP undergraduate students may receive continued support for up to two additional years of STEM post baccalaureate study through the Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) Activity. BD participants are expected to transition to STEM Ph.D. programs and the professoriate and/or STEM workforce.

Linkages with NSF projects and other graduate programs in the nation furthers the graduate education experience of underrepresented STEM students through the doctorate level, preparing them for fulfilling opportunities and productive careers as STEM faculty and research professionals.

Summer Stipend grants

2011-05-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

Summer Stipends support individuals pursuing advanced research that is of value to humanities scholars, general audiences, or both. Recipients usually produce articles, monographs, books, digital materials, archaeological site reports, translations, editions, or other scholarly resources. Summer Stipends support full-time continuous work on a humanities project for a period of two months. Summer Stipends support projects at any stage of development. Summer Stipends are awarded to individual scholars. Organizations are not eligible to apply. NEH encourages submission of Summer Stipends applications from faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Institutions with High Hispanic Enrollment, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. The Summer Stipends program welcomes projects that respond to NEH's Bridging Cultures initiative. Such projects could focus on cultures internationally or within the United States. International projects might seek to enlarge Americans' understanding of other places and times, as well as other perspectives and intellectual traditions. American projects might explore the great variety of cultural influences on, and myriad subcultures within, American society. These projects might also investigate how Americans have approached and attempted to surmount seemingly unbridgeable cultural divides, or examine the ideals of civility and civic discourse that have informed this quest.

http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/stipends.html

School In-Service Training

2011-05-02T11:24:00.001-07:00

Deadline: May 6, 2011

Source: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

• School In-Service Training Grants for Grades 9–12 Teachers

The NCTM will provide $4,000 for high school teachers (9-12) to receive in-service training. Costs may include honoraria and expenses for consultants, materials, substitute time, and conference or workshop registrations. Entries will be judged on need, mathematics content, scope of the plan, number of teachers and students affected, distribution of costs, urban-rural isolation, and multi-ethnic student body. Only schools with at least 1 current NCTM individual member are eligible to apply.

Nickelodeon Big Help grants

2011-05-02T06:27:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest] Sponsored by Nickelodeon and the NEA Foundation, NEA Foundation-Nickelodeon Big Help Grants are available in the form of Student Achievement grants of up to $5,000 forK-8 public school educators in the United States.

The Big Help Grants program is dedicated to the development and implementation of ideas, techniques, and approaches to addressing four key concerns: environmental awareness, health and wellness, students' right to a quality public education, and active community involvement. The grants target these four concerns as areas of great promise in helping 21st century students develop a sense of global awareness that encourages and enables them to make a difference in their world.

The application process is the same as for the NEA Foundation's Student Achievement grants. Applicants should specify that their request is for the Big Help Grants program in their application.

Visit the NEA Foundation Web site for complete program information.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Lumina Foundation announces grants

2011-05-01T07:33:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

The Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation for Education has announced grants totaling $15.4 million to eleven organizations in eight states and the District of Columbia working to enhance student preparation, success, and productivity in higher education.

First-quarter recipients include the San Francisco-based Tides Center, which was awarded two grants totaling $8.15 million to assist Lumina with its multistate, multiyear productivity initiative. Other grants included $1 million to the D.C.-based Aspen Institute to create the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence; $425,000 to the Chicago-based Higher Learning Commission to explore the applicability and usefulness of the Degree Qualifications Profile through the Open Pathways accreditation affirmation process; and $200,000 to Complete College America in Zionsville, Indiana, to assist state consortia in the development of strong Community College and Career Training Grant (C3TG) applications. In addition, the foundation awarded $200,000 in strategic planning support to the United Negro College Fund in Fairfax, Virginia.

"The key to our nation's long-term economic success is a twenty-first century labor force, one with adaptable workers who possess the kinds of high-level skills and relevant knowledge that can only be offered in well-designed and rigorous postsecondary programs," said Lumina Foundation president and CEO Jamie Merisotis. "That's why the Big Goal — that by the year 2025, 60 percent of working-age Americans will hold high-quality college degrees or credentials — is all about ensuring that many more students enroll in and complete such programs, which is the focus of the deserving organizations that Lumina granted dollars to in the first quarter."

“Lumina Foundation Announces 2011 First-Quarter Grants.” Lumina Foundation for Education Press Release 4/18/11.

Research Training Groups in the Mathematical Sciences

2011-05-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

NSF Publication 11-540

Mentoring Through Critical Transition Points in the Mathematical Sciences

2011-05-01T07:27:00.002-07:00

The long-range goal of the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) Workforce program is to increase the number of well-prepared U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who pursue careers in the mathematical sciences and in other NSF-supported disciplines. The Mentoring Through Critical Transition Points in the Mathematical Sciences (MCTP) activity is part of the Workforce Program. MCTP supports education through research involvement of cohorts of trainees at specific stages of professional development that have been identified as crucial to career success.

NSF Publication 11-542

Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

2011-05-01T07:27:00.001-07:00

The purpose of the Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF) is to support future leaders in the mathematical sciences by facilitating their participation in postdoctoral research environments that will have maximal impact on their future scientific development. There are two options for awardees: Research Fellowship and Research Instructorship. Awards will support research in areas of the mathematical sciences, including applications to other disciplines.

NSF Publication 11-541

Next Generation Learning Challenge awards

2011-04-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

The Next Generation Learning Challenge, an effort to identify and scale technology-enabled approaches to college readiness and completion, has announced inaugural grants totaling $10.6 million to twenty-nine organizations.

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates and William and Flora Hewlett foundations, the initiative awarded grants to institutions, collectives, and companies working to address a continuum of interrelated issues spanning secondary and postsecondary education, from grades six through college. Recipients include the Iowa Community College Online Consortium, Wake Forest University, and Carnegie Learning, which was awarded $750,000 for its Mathematics Fluency Data Collaborative, an effort to improve performance in developmental math courses by building games to help students develop the fluency and number sense required to succeed in mathematical problem solving.

"The Mathematics Fluency Data Collaborative will establish a practice that values iterative testing and refinement of learning games based on careful examination of student data," said Steve Ritter, chief scientist for Carnegie Learning and director of the project. "Our team of researchers will mine the data to better understand which gaming parameters lead to success. The game code will be released under an open source license, so that the games can serve as a model for additional development as well as a platform for researchers interested in developing and testing improvements to the games."

For a complete list of grantees, visit the Next Generation Learning Web site.

“The Next Generation: Learning to Learn.” Next Generation Learning Challenges Press Release 4/07/11.

“Carnegie Learning Math Project Awarded Next Generation Learning Challenges Grant.” Carnegie Learning Press Release 4/07/11.

Personnel Development To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities

2011-04-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for highly qualified personnel--in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education--to work with children, including infants and toddlers, with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically-based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.325K.

Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education (IHEs).

AT&T grants awarded

2011-04-05T10:11:00.001-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

To help meet a Grad Nation campaign goal of raising the national high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020, AT&T has announced a $2 million investment in three initiatives that are using data-driven systems to better prepare kids to transition into high school.

AT&T will contribute $500,000 each to the Data Quality Campaign, which works to increase the availability and use of high-quality education data to improve student achievement, and Civic Enterprises, which is working to develop early warning and intervention systems through research on student absenteeism, behavioral problems, and course failures. Civic Enterprises will use the remainder of its funds to implement Grad Nation's Civic Marshall Plan, which seeks to address the dropout problem in high schools.

In addition, AT&T will contribute $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to expand the BE GREAT: Graduate program, which works to identify established risk factors among vulnerable high school students and provide mentors to help students graduate. In an effort to catch problems early and instill good academic practices before high school, BGCA will use a portion of the funds to launch BE READY, a program designed to teach study and organizational skills to eighth- and ninth-graders.

"We are grateful for this generous support from AT&T enabling us to expand the reach of our graduation initiative," said BGCA president and CEO Roxanne Spillett. "We know from research and firsthand experience, that many of the middle school age youth we serve suffer serious challenges making a successful transition into high school. We believe that every child in America deserves a great future and graduating from high school is an absolute must."

“AT&T Commits $2 Million to Support High School Retention Goals of the Grad Nation Campaign.” AT&T Press Release 3/23/11.

Youth grants announced

2011-04-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation has announced that it will invest up to $42 million over three years in nine nonprofit organizations working to transform the life trajectories of the country's most economically disadvantaged youth.

Recipients include Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL), which was awarded a three-year grant of up to $5 million, including $2 million in the first year, to boost the number of young people in its summer learning program, increase its evidence base, and strengthen its capacity to sustain growth; the Center for Employment Opportunities, which was awarded a three-year investment of up to $6 million, including a first year award of $2.25 million, to build its service capacity in upstate New York and expand into new areas in California and Oklahoma; the Children's Aid Society-Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program, which was awarded $3.5 million to serve approximately some 11,000 young people nationally over the next three years; and the Children's Home Society of North Carolina, which was awarded a three-year investment of up to $6 million, including $2 million in the first year, to expand and implement its Family Finding program statewide. Additional grants were awarded to the Children's Institute, the Gateway to College National Network, Reading Partners, and the SEED Foundation.

The grants were awarded through EMCF's new True North Fund, which was created to capitalize and expand programs serving low-income youth. True North includes $10 million from the Social Innovation Fund; $10 million in matching funds from EMCF, including $2 million to support evaluation; and a total of $17 million from the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Duke Endowment, the Tipping Point Community, and the Open Society Foundations. The latter group of funders awarded support to help those grantees that meet their own grantmaking criteria fulfill a portion of their SIF matching requirement and expand and evaluate their programs.

"By aggregating and delivering upfront large infusions of capital for building evidence and organizational capacity, we and our co-investors in the True North Fund hope to demonstrate a more effective model of leveraging private and public capital on behalf of low-income youth," said EMCF president Nancy Roob. "If our investments succeed, we will have made a major step toward taking to scale proven, cost-effective solutions to some of our nation's toughest problems, and made an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of young people."

“Charting a Path for Growth.” Edna McConnell Clark Foundation Online Announcement 3/31/11.

Transition to Teaching grants

2011-04-03T07:12:00.001-07:00

The Transition to Teaching program encourages (1) the development and expansion of alternative routes to full State teacher certification, as well as (2) the recruitment and retention of highly qualified mid-career professionals, recent college graduates, and highly qualified paraprofessionals as teachers in high-need schools operated by high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools that operate as high-need LEAs. Applications for grants under this competition must be submitted electronically using the Grant.gov Apply site (Grants.gov). You may access the electronic grant application for Transition to Teaching program at http://www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application package for this program by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number's alpha suffix in your search (e.g., search for 84.350, not 84.350A).The telephone number for the Grants.gov Helpdesk is 1-800-518-4726 or e-mail: support@grants.gov.

Transition to Teaching Grant Program CFDA 84.350A

Dollar General Literacy grants

2011-04-03T05:55:00.001-07:00

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides support to schools, libraries, and literacy-based nonprofit organizations throughout Dollar General’s thirty-five-state market. The foundation is now accepting applications for Back to School Literacy Grants and Youth Literacy Grants.

Back to School Grants provide funding to help school libraries and media centers meet some of the financial challenges they face in the following areas: implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs; purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives; and purchasing books, materials, or software for literacy programs. Applicants must be K-12 public, private, or charter schools. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded.

Youth Literacy Grants provide funding to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations working to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. Applicants must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, a K-12 private or public school, a college or university, or a public library. Grants of up to $3,000 will be awarded.

All applicant organizations must reside in and provide direct service within Dollar General's thirty-five-state market area and must be located within twenty miles of a Dollar General store.

For complete grant guidelines, eligibility quiz, application procedures, and store locator, visit the Dollar General Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Young Heroes awards

2011-03-27T05:04:00.000-07:00

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes invites nominations for its 2011 awards. The Barron Prize honors young people in the United States and Canada who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet.

Each year, the awards program selects ten national winners to receive $2,500 each to support their service work or higher education.

Nominees must be between 8 and 18 years of age, must have been the prime mover of a service activity and have demonstrated positive spirit and high moral purpose in accomplishing their goals.

Nominees must be legal, current and residents of the United States or Canada at the time of nomination. Nominees must have participated in the work for which they are nominated within the twelve months prior to the nomination deadline.

Nominees must be nominated by an adult who is familiar with the young person's service activity (teacher or librarian, school counselor, youth service official, religious leader, etc.). Members of the young person's family may not submit nominations or letters of reference. Nominees must be nominated as individuals. The prize program cannot accept nominations for groups of young people.

For complete program guidelines, nomination instructions, and information on previous winners, visit the Barron Prize Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Global Service Leaders Scholarships

2011-03-27T05:03:00.001-07:00

The Alcoa Foundation, the corporate foundation of global aluminum producer Alcoa, has announced a partnership with the Institute for Civic Leadership to establish the Alcoa Global Service Leaders Scholarship Program. The new program invites students between the ages of 15 and 18 anywhere in the world to apply for full scholarships of up to $5,000 to attend ICL's 2011 Summer Academy, a comprehensive, two-week hands-on summer leadership program for students who have passion for leadership and service.

The scholarship winners will have a unique opportunity to study and learn together at Dwight International School in Vancouver Island, Canada. Students will learn about sustainable leadership and will master key leadership skills through workshops, team-building exercises, games, and excursions.

For complete program information and the scholarship application, visit the Alcoa Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)--Special Focus Competition: Program for North American Mobility in Higher Education 84.116

2011-03-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education (IHEs), other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies, and combinations of these institutions and agencies. The application must designate a lead U.S. applicant and the lead Mexican and Canadian applicants and must clearly specify its partner applicants in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Purpose of Program: To provide grants for or to enter into cooperative agreements to improve postsecondary education opportunities by focusing on problem areas or improvement approaches in postsecondary education.

Deadline: May 17, 2011

Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM

2011-03-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation programs authorized under section 371 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) provide grants to assist Hispanic-Serving institutions (HSIs) to develop and carry out activities to improve and expand their capacity to serve Hispanic and other low-income students. Applications for grants under the Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation Programs.

Expected Number of Awards:	104
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$99,900,000

Deadline: April 29, 2011.

Full announcement here.

2011 Professional Exchange Program

2011-03-24T07:02:00.001-07:00

The Office of Citizen Exchanges (ECA/PE/C), Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), announces an open competition for grants to conduct the 2011 professional exchange programs. This opportunity is designed to bring young foreign professionals to the United States for four week to six week-long fellowships in organizations related to their field of work, followed by American counterparts who will travel overseas for reciprocal fellowships. Projects should take place over the course of one to two years, and engage up-and-coming and mid-level government or civil society professionals who will effect positive change in their institutions and communities through the following initiatives: the Legislative Fellows Program, the Women's Empowerment Program, and the Young Entrepreneurs Program. U.S. public and non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c) (3) may submit proposals that support the goals of these professional exchange programs (the Legislative Fellows Program, the Women‟s Empowerment Program, and the Young Entrepreneurs Program).

CAREER grants

2011-03-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

CAREER: The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations. Such activities should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. NSF encourages submission of CAREER proposals from junior faculty members at all CAREER-eligible organizations and especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Expected Number of Awards:	600
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$220,000,000

Northwest PA STEM teacher awards

2011-03-22T07:45:00.001-07:00

NWPA STEM will recognize three teachers from NWPA schools (elementary, middle and high school levels) who have modeled Inspiration, Innovation and Leadership in STEM education within their classrooms. Special consideration will be given to those who have created partnerships with higher education and/or business. Teacher nominations should be completed by a school administrator and submitted by noon on April 15, 2011 electronically to kim_zippie@miu4.k12.pa.us or faxed to Kim Zippie’s attention at 724-458-5083. STEM teacher award nomination

From a White House press release: Increasing International Programs

2011-03-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

Education and innovation are keys to progress in the Americas. By fostering more educational exchanges and more effectively tapping into the connection between education and innovation, the United States and its partners throughout the Americas can foster greater economic growth.
By working in partnership with governments, civil society, and private sectors throughout the Americas, the United States can enhance competitiveness. To fulfill our part of this shared responsibility, President Obama announced two initiatives – 100,000 Strong in the Americas and NEXUS – to double educational exchanges between the United States and the Americas while enhancing the connection between education and innovation.

To view the fact sheet on Partnerships for Progress: Education and Innovation click HERE.
To view the fact sheet on Existing Education Exchanges click HERE.
To view the fact sheet on the NEXUS Innovation Initiative click HERE.

Toyota Education Grants

2011-03-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Toyota USA Foundation has announced eight grants totaling more than $5.2 million to support organizations working to improve K-12 math, science, and environmental education.

The foundation aims to support a diverse set of programs that are broad in scope, incorporate interdisciplinary learning, and are innovative as well as cost-effective. Grant recipients include the Red Cloud Indian School, which was awarded $420,000 to upgrade its science equipment, curriculum, and facilities; SAE International, which will receive $300,000 to expand its A World In Motion science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program; the College Entrance Examination Board, which was awarded $350,000 for efforts to support the educational success of high-need students by enabling districts and schools to hire Advanced Placement STEM teachers; and the Nature Conservancy, which was awarded $3.1 million to expand its Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future program.

"Today's youth are more urban, more diverse, and more technologically advanced than any previous generation in history," said Nature Conservancy president and CEO Mark Tercek. "They are also more disconnected from nature than any previous generation. This unprecedented gift from the Toyota USA Foundation will empower a new generation of environmental leaders across the nation, and ensures a hopeful future for the greater conservation movement."

For a complete list of grantees, visit the Toyota USA Foundation Web site.

“Toyota USA Foundation Announces $5.2 Million in New Grants.” Toyota USA Foundation Press Release 3/15/11.

IEF Microsoft Education / Technology grants

2011-03-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

The annual US Innovative Education Forum (IEF), hosted by Microsoft, honors innovative teachers and schools. The forum provides teachers and schools the opportunity to showcase how technology furthers education transformation by being appropriately incorporated into curricula, pedagogy, and classrooms. The work of schools and teachers engaged in CTE often is at the vanguard of innovation and are eligible to apply.

The application process does not limit to a single application per school. There are opportunities for different innovative teachers, projects, or teams. Kelly Green, Academic Program Manager with US Partners in Learning, indicated, “IEF is a great way to promote the activities the students are engaged in . . . and if selected, this is a great way to showcase the school or district.”

More information about the application and process, including a video of past winners and is available at http://www.microsoft.com/education/uspil/USIEF/default.mspx.

Literacy Grants

2011-03-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Better World Books, an online bookseller that collects and sells books to fund literacy initiatives worldwide, has announced the launch of the LEAP Grants (Literacy and Education in Action Program) for Libraries. LEAP provides funding for specific projects beyond the company's regular revenue contributions to Better World nonprofit partners.

Applicants are invited to propose a compelling literacy project in their community. Projects should address the literacy needs of underserved populations in their community. The program defines literacy needs broadly as "identifying, understanding, interpreting, creating, communicating, and computing information to live a more fulfilling and productive life." Successful applicants will use their funds to advance a compelling literacy project that Better World Books can follow, document, and share with its readers across the world. Projects that address the literacy needs of underserved populations in their community and involve partnerships with local government agencies are highly encouraged.

Interested libraries are invited to first submit a short two-page project overview. Those with the best proposals will be selected for a half-hour conversation with Better World Books during which they will pitch their idea. After reviewing all the pitches, Better World Books will select the winners whose projects are judged the most viable and ready to be implemented. Selected libraries will then be asked to complete a more detailed project plan. After project plans are complete, the grants will be awarded.

A total of $75,000 is available in this round of grants. Grants will range from $5,000 to $25,000.

Visit the Better World Books Web site for complete program information and application procedures.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Target Arts and Culture grants

2011-03-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Every year, the Target Store Grant program provides grants to K-12 schools and other nonprofit organizations that provide reading and arts programs for children and youth.

Target Early Childhood Reading Grants are awarded to schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations to support programs such as afterschool reading events and weekend book clubs. Grants are intended to support programs that help foster a love of reading and encourage children to read with their families.

Target Arts and Culture in Schools Grants are intended to enhance classroom curricula by bringing music, dance, drama, and visual arts programs into the classroom. These grants are designed to help bring performers to schools so children can experience the arts and learn new forms of self-expression.

Grants in both funding categories will be for $2,000 each.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools, libraries, and public agencies.

Visit the Target Web site for complete program guidelines and to submit an online application.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Green your school challenge

2011-03-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Do Something and HP invites teams of U.S. students to help protect the environment and fight climate change by participating in the Green Your School campaign.

Students are invited to create and implement team projects to help make their school campuses more eco-friendly. Projects will be assessed on a number of criteria, including the number of people involved; creativity, innovation, and use of technology; and awareness raised.

Four winners will be selected to receive a $1,000 grant and an HP Pavilion DM1 laptop. One grand-prize winner will receive a $5,000 grant and five HP Pavilion DM1 laptop computers. Other prizes include scholarships of $1,000 each, mini -laptop computers, and smartphones.

Full campaign information, project ideas, and participation guidelines are available at the Do Something Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Advanced Placement Incentive

2011-03-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

Purpose of Program: The Advanced Placement Incentive (API) program awards competitive grants designed to increase the successful participation of low-income students in advanced placement courses and tests. The program expands opportunities for low-income students to take college-level classes and earn college credit while still in high school. The program also supports efforts to raise the rigor of the academic curriculum for all students attending high-poverty schools.

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE); Advanced Placement Incentive Program CFDA Number 84.330C; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011

Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences

2011-03-18T05:06:00.000-07:00

The goal of the Undergraduate Biology and Mathematics (UBM) activity is to enhance undergraduate education and training at the intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences and to better prepare undergraduate biology or mathematics students to pursue graduate study and careers in fields that integrate the mathematical and biological sciences. The core of the activity is jointly-conducted long-term research experiences for interdisciplinary balanced teams of at least two undergraduates from departments in the biological and mathematical sciences. Projects should focus on research at the intersection of the mathematical and biological sciences. Projects should provide students exposure to contemporary mathematics and biology, addressed with modern research tools and methods. That is, projects must be genuine research experiences rather than rehearsals of research methods. Projects must involve students from both areas in collaborative research experiences and include joint mentorship by faculty in both fields. In addition, it is expected that projects will strengthen the research and education capacity, infrastructure, and culture of the participating institutions. To this end, projects should create models for education in the mathematical and biological sciences and influence the direction of academic programs for a broad range of students. It is expected that project leadership will come from faculty in both the mathematical and biological sciences. UBM is a joint effort of the Education and Human Resources (EHR), Biological Sciences (BIO), and Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorates at the National Science Foundation (NSF).

NSF Publication 08-510

Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Grant Program

2011-03-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: April 1, 2011.
   Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 9, 2011.
   Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: July 5, 2011.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

   Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy
grant program (SRCL) is to advance literacy skills--including pre-literacy skills,
reading, and writing--for students from birth through grade 12, including limited-
English-proficient students and students with disabilities.
   Through this program, the Department will award competitive grants to State
educational agencies (SEAs) to support competitive subgrants to local educational
agencies (LEAs), including charter schools that are considered LEAs under State law,
or other eligible entities for the purpose of advancing literacy skills.
   Priorities: This notice contains three priorities, two of which are
absolute and one of which is competitive preference.
Priority 1: Improving Learning Outcomes
Priority 2: Enabling More Data-Based Decision-Making
Competitive Preference Priority: Effective Use of Technology

Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants

2011-03-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Youth Literacy Grants
Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grants provide funding to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading.

Click here to apply for the 2011 Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grant.

Deadline to apply:	May 18, 2011
Grant Announcement:	August 24, 2011
Maximum grant amount:	$3,000

Para-professional training

2011-03-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested $90,653,000 for the Personnel
Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program for FY 2011, of which we intend to use an estimated $1,500,000 for the competition announced in this notice.

Estimated Range of Awards: $145,000–150,000.

Eligible Applicants: IHEs (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965).

The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for highly qualified personnel—in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education—to
work with infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children.

USA Funds for post-secondary ed

2011-03-11T12:31:00.001-08:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Indianapolis-based USA Funds, a nonprofit corporation that works to enhance postsecondary education preparedness, access, and success, has announced fourth-quarter grants totaling more than $3 million to seventy-five organizations in twenty states and the District of Columbia.

Recipients include the University of Pennsylvania, which received $500,000 to conduct research that identifies and highlights models of success at minority-serving postsecondary institutions; the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, which was awarded $200,000 to provide need-based scholarships to Hispanic students; the Nevada System of Higher Education, which received $190,000 to implement Navigation 101, a Web-based college and career readiness program, in at least ten Nevada high schools; and the Indianapolis-based Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, which was awarded $100,000 to continue its work improving postsecondary preparedness and access for low-income students.

In addition, the Arizona Community Foundation received $70,000 to continue its support for College Depot, which provides free college planning services to low-income students; the Indiana Latino Institute was awarded $60,000 for its Careers for the Future Education program, which works to provide Latino students with a framework that will help them succeed in postsecondary education; and Boys II Men, Inc. received $30,000 for a program that helps male African-American students develop skills for success in high school and beyond.

For a complete list of grantees, visit the USA Funds Web site.

“USA Funds Awards $3 Million in Higher Education Grants.” USA Funds Press Release 2/22/11.

Academic Enrichment; Teacher; Student grants

2011-02-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

[From Philanthropy News Digest] The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting students and teachers in developing strategies and skills that enhance learning, is accepting applications for the 2011-12 academic year in the categories of Academic Enrichment Grants, Teacher Development Grants, and Student Teaching Scholarships.

Academic Enrichment Grants provide funding for programs that nurture the intellectual, artistic, and creative abilities of children from low-income households. The foundation awards grants to individuals in amounts of up to $10,000 a year for a maximum of three years.

Teacher Development Grants provide funding to individuals or small teams of teachers in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking, collaborative K-12 classroom instruction. The foundation awards grants to individuals in amounts of up to $10,000 a year for a maximum of three years.

Student Teaching Scholarships provide $6,000 as well as one-on-one mentoring by foundation staffers to student teachers in their final year of teacher education programs at New Mexico State University, the University of California, Santa Cruz, the University of Texas at Austin, and West Virginia University.

Complete program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application procedures are available at the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Gannon new scholarships

2011-02-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

[reposted from Erie Blogs] A $1 million gift from an anonymous donor will create a scholarship for students enrolled in Gannon University’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences.

The donor, a Gannon alumnus, has created the Cathedral College Endowed Merit Scholarship in the Liberal Arts. Gannon University was established, by Archbishop John Mark Gannon, as Cathedral College. The scholarship’s name is a tribute to the University’s founding name and to its early history. The scholarship is designed for academically qualified, full-time undergraduate students. Awards may be renewed annually, provided scholarship recipients maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average.

Preference for scholarship awards will be given to first-generation college students. Any individual, foundation, trust, company or other organization may at any time make additional gifts to the scholarship fund.

The College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences is comprised of more than 20 bachelor’s degree programs, five certificate programs, four associate’s degree programs and more than 20 academic minors. For more information on its programs of study, call 814-871-7549.

For more information on the Cathedral College Endowed Merit Scholarship in the Liberal Arts, contact Anthony Fulgenzio, director of philanthropy at Gannon University, at 814-871-7786.

Graduate Automotive Technology Education (GATE) Centers of Excellence

2011-02-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

The Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), on behalf of the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies (VT) Program, is issuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled "Graduate Automotive Technology Education (GATE) Centers of Excellence." Eligibility for this Funding Opportunity Announcement is restricted to U.S. Colleges and Universities and University-Affiliated Research Institutions with accredited graduate engineering programs (Reference Part III-"Eligibility Information" for additional restricted eligibility information). Eligibility is restricted in an effort to increase university involvement with the Vehicle Technologies Program to assure the inclusion of fresh, innovative ideas in the program, and to educate future scientists and engineers in advanced automotive/vehicle technologies. The goal of GATE is to overcome technology barriers preventing the development and production of cost-effective, high-efficiency vehicles for the U.S. market by training a future workforce of automotive engineering professionals who are knowledgeable about, and experienced in, developing and commercializing advanced automotive technologies.

https://www.fedconnect.net

Study Abroad Scholarships

2011-02-14T08:49:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides scholarships for study abroad to U.S. undergraduates with financial need, including students from diverse backgrounds and students headed to non-traditional study abroad destinations. Established under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, Gilman Scholarships provide up to $5,000 per student.

The program is open to U.S. undergraduates in good academic standing seeking study abroad for college credit. Applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant or be able to provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant at the time of application or during the term of their study abroad. The applicant must be applying to or have been accepted into a study abroad program that is eligible for credit by the student's accredited institution of higher education in the U.S.

The applicant must be studying abroad for at least four weeks in one country. Programs involving more than one country are eligible if the student will be studying in any one country for at least four consecutive weeks.

Students studying critical need languages are eligible for up to $3,000 in additional funding as part of the Gilman Critical Need Language Supplement program. Those critical need languages include Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Turkic (Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, Turkmen, Uzbek), Persian (Farsi, Dari, Kurdish, Pashto, Tajiki), and Indic (Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Sinhala, Bengali, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujurati, Sindhi).

For program information, complete eligibility requirements, application form, and an FAQ, visit the program Web site.

Fundamental Research Program for Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers

2011-02-14T05:34:00.001-08:00

The National Science Foundation encourages the submission of industry-defined fundamental research proposals from NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC). Industry-defined fundamental research broadens the scientific and engineering understanding beyond the more specific applied research interests of the industries traditionally served by the I/UCRC. Industry participation extends the scope and horizon of center research projects so as to drive innovation with industrially relevant fundamental research projects.

NSF Publication 10-601

Youth Engagement Zones

2011-02-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Learn and Serve America Youth Engagement Zones

End Date: 3/31/2011
CFDA # 94.018

Contact:

Youth Engagement Zones
https://questions.nationalservice.gov/app/ask
800-942-2677

The Learn and Serve America Youth Engagement Zones are designed to improve academic engagement - including student attendance and behavior - and academic achievement, high school graduation rates, and college-going rates by:

Demonstrating the relevance of academic coursework and the value of civic engagement through service-learning;
Connecting youth with citizens from diverse communities, backgrounds, and perspectives, providing them with expanded opportunities to serve; and
Building enduring capacity within communities to use service as a solution to address pressing challenges.

These grants will provide support for “eligible partnerships” to develop coordinated school- or community-based service-learning opportunities for secondary school students. All partnerships must include, at a minimum, at least one local education agency, one community college, and one community-based entity.

Funding Available

Subject to the availability of appropriations for fiscal year 2011, CNCS anticipates the availability of approximately $5.7 million for new Youth Engagement Zones grants. CNCS anticipates making an estimated 5 to 7 grant awards that will range from approximately $700,000 to $1,500,000 to support three years of operations.

Deadline

Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on March 31, 2011. Applications must arrive at CNCS by or before the deadline in order to be considered.

Letters of Intent to Apply

If you intend to apply, please send an email to YEZ@cns.gov by March 10, 2011.

Click here to view the Notice of Funds Availability (PDF)

Warren County School District seeks input from college admissions

2011-02-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

[Warren Times Observer] February 2, 2011 - By COLIN KYLER

With class rankings weighing so heavily on students' futures, educators want to make sure the process provides fairness. Members of the Curriculum, Instruction and Technology Committee of the Warren County School District Board of Directors discussed the topic during their meeting Tuesday. Director of Secondary Education Amanda Hetrick said input from people who work in college admissions could help the district review its policy of awarding credits. Committee Chair Dr. Paul Yourchisin asked if she foresees a committee forming to address the issue. First, Hetrick said officials need to gather information.

According to Hetrick, it would be difficult to equate the work of a student participating in dual enrollment to that undertaken by more traditional students. Students want to collaborate among themselves, she said, and come to a solution.

The district could award recognition of the different ways students achieve success, Hetrick said, including implementing a system which gives graduates honors or high honors. Currently, she said students are simply ranked in order. Committee Member Kimberly Angove said a lot of statistics show this method is losing popularity. In fact, she said half of the high schools in the nation do not have class rankings now.

Members planned to hold their next meeting following meetings of the Physical Plant and Facilities Committee and the Personnel/Athletics and Co-Curricular Committee on Feb. 28 at Warren County Career Center. Full article here.

Mott Foundation supports community college small business incubators

2011-02-06T06:33:00.000-08:00

(note: No Pennsylvania sites were included in these awards.) [Reposted from Philanthropy News Digest]

The American Association of Community Colleges has announced a $995,000 grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to launch the Virtual Incubation Network, a pilot program designed to encourage the creation of small businesses in ten states.

Community colleges often host small business incubators to help sustain local companies through the challenging start-up stages of development. VIN aims to scale the concept to hundreds of community colleges in order to serve geographically isolated, economically disadvantaged communities in need of jobs and revenue. The initiative will be implemented by AACC in collaboration with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and with other partner organizations in the future.

"Small businesses play an enormous role in stimulating and sustaining economic growth — both in local communities and nationally," said AACC president and CEO Walter G. Bumphus. "This new initiative presents an exciting and innovative way to encourage small business growth without costly investment in new facilities and added infrastructure."

“Community Colleges To Fuel New Business Creation Via Virtual Incubator Network.” American Association of Community Colleges Press Release 2/01/11.

Improving School Libraries grant

2011-01-31T06:25:00.000-08:00

Program Office: Academic Improvement and Teacher Quality Programs

CFDA Number: 84.364
Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants

Program Description

This program helps LEAs improve reading achievement by providing students with increased access to up-to-date school library materials; well-equipped, technologically advanced school library media centers; and professionally certified school library media specialists.

Types of Projects

Districts may use funds for the following activities:

Purchase up-to-date school library media resources, including books;
Acquire and use advanced technology that is integrated into the curricula to develop and enhance the information literacy, information retrieval, and critical-thinking skills of students;
Facilitate Internet links and other resource-sharing networks;
Provide professional development for school library media specialists of PK-3 students and provide activities that foster increased collaboration among library specialists, teachers, and administrators of PK-12 students; and
Provide students with access to school libraries during nonschool hours, weekends, and summer vacations.

GE, Reagan Presidential Foundation Launch College Scholarship Program

2011-01-31T05:40:00.001-08:00

[reposted from Philanthropy News Digest] The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and GE have announced the launch of the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program, an $8 million initiative to provide up to two hundred four-year scholarships over the next decade to students who embody leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship.

Through the program, up to twenty students will be chosen annually to receive a $10,000 scholarship, renewable for up to three years — for a total of up to $40,000 per student. Recipients must be pursuing a bachelor's degree at an accredited U.S. college or university and can use the funding to cover their tuition, room, and board expenses. To be considered, applicants must be nominated by a community leader and fill out an online form prior to the deadline. During the summer of 2011, the first cohort of scholars will be recognized at an awards ceremony.

GE has committed $15 million to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration, a year-long celebration of the fortieth president's one-hundredth birthday on February 6, 2011. As part of that effort, GE will commit $5 million to establish the scholarship program, while the Reagan Presidential Foundation will contribute $3 million.

“Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and GE Launch College Scholarship Program.” GE Foundation Press Release 1/20/11.

International Research Studies Program

2011-01-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

Purpose of Program: The IRS Program provides grants to eligible applicants to conduct research and studies to improve and strengthen instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, and
other international fields.

Do Something

2011-01-22T06:11:00.001-08:00

Since 1996, Do Something has annually honored young people who are working to improve their communities and the world with the Do Something Awards.

Applicants must be age 25 or younger (born on or after September 1, 1985) and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

In 2011, the five nominees will be rewarded with a community grant of $10,000, media coverage, and continued support from Do Something. The grand-prize winner will receive $100,000 during the live broadcast of the awards ceremony. All winners have the option of receiving $5,000 of their grant in the form of an educational scholarship.

Visit the Do Something Web site for complete program guidelines and information on the work of previous award winners.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Grant Foundation Scholars Program

2011-01-21T17:11:00.001-08:00

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

The William T. Grant Foundation, which supports research to understand and improve the everyday settings of youth between the ages of 8 and 25 in the United States, is accepting applications for the William T. Grant Scholars Program.

The Grant Scholars Program is a professional development program for early-career researchers in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. The program encourages scholars to be ambitious in their research endeavors by tackling important questions that will advance theory, policy, and practice for youth and to do so with an expanded array of expertise that includes different methods, disciplinary perspectives, and content knowledge. The program differs from traditional research grants in that it supports career development. Applications are particularly encouraged from scholars who already have a promising track record but seek a qualitative shift in their trajectory as researchers.

Applicants are invited to identify areas in which they seek to expand their expertise and to propose five-year research plans to develop it. Applicants are also asked to create mentoring plans that will aid them in acquiring new expertise and producing stronger work.

Applicants must have received their terminal degree within seven years of submitting their application and must be employed in career-ladder positions at nonprofit institutions. Applicants inside and outside the United States are eligible. As with U.S. applicants, foreign applicants must pursue research that has compelling policy or practice implications for the settings of youth between the ages of 8 and 25 in the United States. Applicants of any discipline are eligible.

Each year, four to six scholars are selected to receive $350,000, distributed over five years. Awards are made to the applicant's institution.

Visit the Grant Foundation Web site to download the complete program brochure with grant guidelines and application requirements.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP