The purpose of the state-funded METCO Program is to expand educational opportunities, increase diversity, and reduce racial isolation by permitting students in Boston and Springfield to attend public schools in other communities that have agreed to participate. The METCO program provides students of participating school districts the opportunity to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse setting.
The priorities of this fund source are to provide Boston and Springfield students further opportunities to achieve at high levels the learning standards of the state curriculum frameworks and enrich both the urban and suburban communities by providing opportunities and support for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Applicants for this grant opportunity should be deliberate and intentional in the use of grant funds to support the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards and priorities. In particular, this program may include, but not be limited to, the following priorities:
Aligned, consistently delivered, and continuously improving curriculum
Strong instructional leadership and effective instruction
Sufficient instructional time
Staff recruitment, selection, and assignment
Professional development
Academic support
Services and partnerships to support learning
School districts participating currently in the METCO Program are eligible to continue their participation in the program. These districts are Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Braintree, Brookline, Cohasset, Concord, Dover, East Longmeadow, Foxborough, Hingham, Lexington, Lincoln, Longmeadow, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Melrose, Natick, Needham, Newton, Newton, Reading, Scituate, Sharon, Sherborn, Springfield, Sudbury, Swampscott, Wakefield, Walpole, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, Westwood, Concord Carlisle, Dover Sherborn, Hampden Wilbraham, Lincoln Sudbury, Southwick Tolland, Granville.
State
Funding for FY19 is based upon October 2017 METCO enrollment, as determined by the SIMS reporting to the Department and is subject to appropriation in the FY19 final state budget. Grants will consist of a per pupil allotment for instructional and support services and a base transportation allotment.
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.
Funds may be used for local district costs incurred as a result of the participation of METCO students, METCO transportation costs, and for supplemental services that will contribute in a measurable way to enhanced educational opportunity and academic achievement, as well as enrichment.
In the area of enhanced educational opportunity and academic achievement, services may include, but are not limited to, regular day and after-school tutoring and mentoring programs, staff professional development geared towards understanding and addressing the achievement gap between minority and non-minority students, and other programs and services such as providing ways for parents to support their children's learning.
In the area of diversity enrichment, services may include training, in-school and after-school activities, incentives programs, etc. that contribute to increased cross-cultural and racial understanding.
Upon Approval (after 7/1/2018) – 6/30/2019
Educational Options
Donna Pisaturo (Parts I and Edgrants) or Shay Edmond (Part III inquiries)
(781) 338-3322 (Donna Pisaturo) or 781-338-3217 (Shay Edmond)
Friday, June 15, 2018
Proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. on the date due.
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:
FY19 317 METCO Grant District 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 Required Program Information and Grant Assurances Form.
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 document to make informed decisions regarding assigning your district level users.
Last Updated: May 10, 2018
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.