The purpose of this targeted grant is to provide support resources to Designated Early College programs. Designated K–12 districts will be the primary fiscal recipients and lead education agencies for these funds, however, the resources allocated are intended to support both the Designated secondary school and institute of higher education (IHE) partners in the development and sustainment of their Early College work. These resources are intended to support partners' work during SY24, and through August 31, 2024.
Baseline Funding (to be distributed at start of school year and once state budget has been implemented). Please see attachment with allocation list that charts high schools in each category.
High Schools with first time, first year -Designated programs who are planning to serve at least 50 students in SY24*: Eligible for $125,000
High Schools with first time, first year Designated programs who are planning to serve less than 50 students in SY24*: Eligible for $100,000
High Schools who added a new Early College Designated partnership this year and already had a Designation which served at least 50 students of whom 50% or more of those students were economically disadvantaged students in SY23**: Eligible for $100,000
High Schools who added a new Early College Designated partnership this year but served less than 50 students and/or less than 50% of EC student population was comprised of economically disadvantaged students in SY23** Eligible for $75,000
High Schools in Years 2–5 of partnerships (excluding schools already identified in 1.c or 1.d.) whose Designated program(s) served at least 50 students of whom 50% or higher economically disadvantaged students in SY23***: Eligible for $75,000
Early College Designated high schools in years 2–5 (excluding programs already identified in 1.d) whose Designated program(s) did not serve at least 50 students and/or or less than 50% of EC student population was comprised of economically disadvantaged students in SY23** Eligible for $50,000
These funds are available Early College designated programs that are in Year 1–5 of their Designation.
Current Early College Expansion (FC 175) and Full School (FC 466) grantees are not eligible for these funds.
Additional Priority Funding
Designated programs are eligible for approximately up to an additional $50,000.
These funds can be used for priority projects related to supporting Early College Programming including:
While these funds for priority projects will not be competitive, a review will be conducted to determine the appropriation of request and demonstration of need. Applicants seeking these additional funds will need to complete Part III response questions and indicate prioritized funding needs.
To be considered for these funds, applications should complete Required Forms including Part III questions posted with this RFP and email them to Cashay Grant Woods by December 13, 2023. Applications received after this date will be considered if remaining funds are still available.
State Line Item 7009-6600
Baseline funding: Approximately a total of $3.9 million dollars has been allocated for baseline funding.
Priority funding: Approximately a total of $500,000 has been allocated for priority funding.
This RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.
Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available, it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.
Targeted funds from the state will help Designees build or sustain capacity in their Designated Early College programs in an equitable manner.
Early College Support funds may be used for the following purposes:
Increasing strategies to prioritize and serve students traditionally underserved in higher education through Early College programming. Such students may include students who may be the first in their family to go to college, students of color, students who may be English language learners, students with disabilities, low-income students.
Perpetuating a widespread college going culture, focused on student success. This may include promoting higher education through awareness activities and workshops, purchasing textbooks and supplies for Early College students, arranging transportation to college campuses, and providing a wide range of academic and non-academic supports for EC students.
Building capacity and bringing Early College programs to scale, while ensuring that students are strongly supported in their Early College pathways. Programs should specifically address how they will implement supports to help students overcome barriers to postsecondary access and success. This includes on-ramping support for students who would not traditionally qualify for dual enrollment coursework. Support can include but are not limited to mentors, tutors, defined study sessions, academic skill-building software, MYCAP activities and advising, non-therapeutic social and emotional support, soft skills workshops, and career development activities.
This grant cannot be applied towards capital expenses or MTRS.
Upon Approval* – 06/30/2024 and FY25 Summer: 7/1/2024 – 8/31/2024
*Grant start date cannot be prior to DESE receiving a substantially approvable Application Submission as directed in this RFP's Submission Instructions. Goods and Services cannot be procured prior to Grants receiving and approving an application submission. Funds cannot exceed the project duration end date.
Early College Office
Cashay Grant-Woods , Fiscal Manager
781-338-3947
Friday, September 29, 2023, for Baseline funding (closed) Wednesday, December 13, 2023 for Additional Priority funding
Part III — Narrative Responses (only if requesting Additional Priority Funding)
Additional Priority Funding: Email required Forms including Part III questions posted with this RFP to Cashay Grant Woods by December 6, 2023. Once amounts are determined, applicants will be required to submit the grant application in EdGrants.
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:
FY24 FC460 Early College Support Grant (Applicant Name)
All items listed under the required forms section of this RFP should be uploaded / attached in the Attachments List formlet of the Application Submission in EdGrants. This includes a signed / scanned PDF of Part I / Coversheet with Superintendent's signature as well as 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, Information and Trainings.
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.
Last Updated: December 7, 2023
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
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