FY2022: Development and Expansion of High Quality Summer Learning — Competitive

Fund Code: 527

Purpose:

The purpose of this state competitive grant is to support the development and expansion of high quality, comprehensive summer learning opportunities for students in districts with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students.

Priorities:

Supports the development of a new summer program or the expansion of an existing summer program by adding more students and/or time;

Offers at least 150 hours of programming with a focus on academic and college and career readiness skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, perseverance and other social and emotional areas;

Offers engaging and innovative hands-on programming;

Offers enrichment activities that will help to close opportunity gaps;

Connects to evidence/researched-based programming;

Creates a culturally responsive, anti-racist and welcoming environment; and

Collaborates with a variety of organizations and leverages cost-sharing partnerships with local districts, private funders and non-profit institutions.

Competitive priority will be given to:

• Proposals that include in-person programming. Note: While virtual/remote programming is allowed with these grant funds, proposals that include in-person programming that meets updated Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE, or Department), Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) or Department of Public Health (DPH) COVID-19 guidance will be awarded competitive priority.

• Proposals developed collaboratively by community-based organizations and districts/schools demonstrating a significant cost-sharing match.

• Proposals that support the successful transition of students into or out of elementary, middle, and/or high school, as well as other first-time in a school transitions brought on by COVID-19.

Eligibility:

Massachusetts public school districts, non-public schools, and public and private community-based organizations (CBOs) working with youth from districts and/or schools where at least 45% of the student population is categorized as economically disadvantaged.

Please Note: All applicants other than public school districts, cities or towns must demonstrate the capacity to administer grant funding through:

• Describing the agency/organization's previous experience with similar amounts of funding at state, federal, or local levels through government, foundation, or private grants;
• Attaching the organizations fiscal polices and procedures including process for cash management and procurement; and
• Attaching the organization's most recent annual audit (note a current tax return is not sufficient).

If the applicant also receives any of these grants for Summer 2021, the school/program(s) for which you are applying must be different: FY2022 Afterschool and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) Fund Code 530 or 528, or 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Fund Code 644 Summer Enhancement grant funding opportunity.

Funding Type:

State

Funding:

Approximately $500,000 is available through the state line item 7061-9814.

Applicants may apply for one program per organization/district for up to $50,000.

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:

Funds must be used in alignment with the purpose and priorities outlined and as described in a budget, budget narrative, and required program information that is submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (Department's) Office of Student and Family Support. Indirect costs are not allowed.

Important Note: Students being served by these funds cannot be charged to participate. Additionally, funds cannot be used to pay students to participate in these programs.

Project Duration:

Summer: Upon Approval (no earlier than 7/1/2021) – 8/31/2021

Program Unit:

Office of Student and Family Support

Contact:

Allison Smith

Date Due:

Friday, April 30, 2021

Required Forms:

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

• Part II — Budget Workbook

• Part III — Required Program Information

Additional Information:

Questions Webinars: Due to the competitive nature of this grant program, questions beyond eligibility or logistics of applying will be addressed during Grant Question Webinars. Date(s) and time(s) for webinar(s) will be confirmed. If you would like to listen in on any webinars please email asost@mass.gov (with subject FC 527 Webinars).

• A narrative evaluation on the funded activities and outcomes of the program(s) must be submitted by September 30, 2021.

Submission Instructions:

Submit the following required information by email any time on or before the due date noted above to asost@mass.gov :

• Scanned pdf copy with original signatures of both the Part I — Signature Page
• Excel version of the Part II — Budget
• Word document of the Part III — Program Information

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

Last Updated: March 23, 2021