Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs: FY2018

Improving High School Graduation Rates and Postsecondary Readiness among First Language is not English (FLNE) Students
Fund Code: 695

Purpose:	The goal of this third year of a three year, non-competitive funding opportunity is to provide funds for the implementation of work through the America's Promise Graduation Activation Grant. These funds are to be used to design programming and interventions to increase the graduation rate of students who do not speak English as a first language. Participation in this cross-district learning community with targeted training and support is by invitation and is based on the districts with the largest numbers of FLNE students that did not graduate in the 2014 graduation cohort. These services are to supplement currently funded local, state, and federal programs.
Priorities:	The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is to strengthen the Commonwealth's public education system so that every student is prepared to succeed in postsecondary education, compete in the global economy, and understand the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and in so doing, to close all proficiency gaps. The priority of Improving High School Graduation Rates and Postsecondary Readiness among First Language is not English (FLNE) Students is to increase the graduation rate of first language not English students including: English language learners, former English language learners, refugees, immigrants and/or students with limited or interrupted formal education.
Program Requirements:	Identify a core team of staff to support district and school planning and implementation, including roles such as central office administrators (e.g., ELL director, student support director), school building administrators (principal, assistant principal), teachers, and school counselors. Invite at least one key community partner who will bring expertise and experience working with the FLNE population to participate in the core planning/implementation team. Participate in cross-district learning community meetings, twice a year (fall and spring) in school year 2017-2018 Participate in site visits and other evaluation activities that will help inform the collective learning.
Eligibility:	Eligibility is restricted to those districts who accepted the initial invitation in January 2016. Boston Public Schools Brockton Public Schools Chelsea Public Schools Everett Public Schools Holyoke Public Schools Lowell Public Schools New Bedford Public Schools Revere Public Schools Somerville Public Schools Worcester Public Schools
Funding Type:	Foundation
Funding:	Districts may apply for up to $9,000 for this funding (school year) opportunity during fiscal year 2018 (ending 6/30/2018), districts may be eligible for a small amount of additional funding in summer 2018. Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding is to become available it will be distributed under the same guideline as listed in the initial RFP document.
Fund Use:	Funds may be used for: Stipends to support planning and program coordination. Consultant and contract fees to provide program-related professional development. Supplies Other costs subject to agreement by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Project Duration:	Upon Approval - 8/31/2018
Program Unit:	College, Career, and Technical Education
Contacts:	Nyal Fuentes
Phone Number:	(781) 338-3593
Date Due:	January 17, 2018. Eligible programs must submit applications at least 15 business days prior to the proposed start of the program in order to allow sufficient time for review, resolution of issues, and processing in order to comply with the state finance regulation 815 CMR 2:00, section 2.05, (4)(b). Applications will be approved on a rolling basis earlier than the deadline. Programs are not permitted to expend funds until applications are approved.
Required Forms:	Part I: General - Program Unit Signature Page - (Standard Contract Form and Application for Program Grants) Part III: Required Program Information Required to be submitted with all applications.
Submission Instructions:	Submit all required grant materials through EdGrants In EdGrants, districts are required to create and name the project. Please use the following naming convention for your "Applicant Project Name" in EdGrants: FY18 695 Improving High School Graduation Rates and Postsecondary Readiness (Applicant Name) All required forms should be uploaded / attached in the Attachments List formlet of the Application Submission. This includes a signed / scanned PDF of Part I / Coversheet with Superintendent's signature as well as Affirmation of Consultation form(s) and Schedule A form, if applicable to your district. The final budget the applicant is requesting will be entered directly into EdGrants as part of the application submission process. For Guidance Documents regarding EdGrants, visit EdGrants: User Guides and Information. Please note: It is up to the district to determine who they want to add as EdGrants Front Office users in order to submit grant application as well as payment request information. Please review the EdGrants: User Security Controls to make informed decisions regarding assigning your district level users.