FY2021: Massachusetts Work Immersion Network (MassWIN)

Fund Code: 425

Purpose:

As a complement to existing initiatives, including Innovation Pathways, Chapter 75 programming, Connecting Activities, and STEM@Work, DESE and the Executive Office of Education are collaborating with MA STEM Advisory Council and Northeastern University Network for Experiential Teaching and Learning (NExT) to bring Work-Based Learning (WBL) to scale through the Massachusetts Work Immersion Network (MassWIN). MassWIN will build a robust catalog of reusable employer-driven WBL virtual/hybrid/in-person project templates that are Massachusetts-sector specific and provide students with technology-enabled, technically supported, internships, capstones, and co-ops. As part of MassWIN, DESE is seeking up to 18 educators from six different schools/districts to participate in professional development and a pilot that will run from January 15 through May 28, 2021.

Priorities:

Priorities for this grant include, but are not limited to:

Training and supporting educators in designated Innovation Pathway and Chapter 74 programs in providing technology-facilitated virtual or in-person work-based learning experiences to students. Preference may be given to applicants active in the current STEM@Work collaboration. In addition, DESE is seeking geographic diversity and balance within the seven WIOA regions.

Eligibility:

Eligible applicants are schools/districts with designated, established Innovation Pathways in healthcare and social assistance , or approved Chapter 74 programs in programming and Web development or information support services and networking. Applicants must be able to evidence strong working relationships with their local MassHire partner (for Innovation Pathways) and business/workforce partners (Innovation Pathways and Ch. 74). Applicants submitting an application agree to solicit up to three educators (two classroom teachers and one internship/co-op coordinator) to participate in a pilot that will run from January 15, 2021 through May 28, 2021; this pilot will entail an asynchronous (1-credit) professional development course kick-off session and Practera training; participation in a program showcase; and contribution to the evaluation at the end of the pilot.

Funding Type:

Trust

Funding:

An estimated total of $90,000 is available to eligible applicants.

An LEA may submit one application for a maximum award of $15,000, to stipend up to three educators (two classroom teachers and one internship/co-op coordinator) for participation in the professional development course, which will transpire outside school hours, and to implement the work-based learning pilot.

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.

Fund Use:

Allowable funding expenses include:

Stipends for participating educators.

Project Duration:

Upon approval – 06/30/2021

Program Unit:

Office for College, Career, and Technical Education

Contact:

Jennifer A. Gwatkin

Phone Number:

(781) 338-3954

Date Due:

Friday, December 18, 2020

Proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. on the date due.

Required Forms:

As part of the online submission, applicants will upload the following forms:

Part I — General — Program Unit Signature Page — (Standard Contract Form and Application for Program Grants)

Part II — Budget Details

Part III — Required Program Information — Application to participate in the initiative

Submission Instructions:

Grant applications must be submitted via email to jennifer.a.gwatkin@mass.gov and received by the Department by 5:00 p.m on the date due.

Awarded Recipients: Upon award, recipients will be required to enter the approved budget, Part I, and Part III in EdGrants. Once selected, recipients will be contacted with further instructions on the process.

Last Updated: December 11, 2020