544449 - Learning Beyond the Bell
Funding Opportunity Details

ESEA Competitive Grants

Pre Application Deadline:

Final Application Deadline: Mar 29, 2024 11:59 PM

Description

• Description

  Learning Beyond the Bell Competitive Grant Opportunity

  Purpose

  The purpose of this project is to build, evaluate, enrich and/or sustain evidence-based before-and after-school programming for schools with the most intense needs in Iowa.  Anticipated results include increases in attendance rates, achievement in identified content area(s) of need (mathematics or literacy), and student engagement or connectedness.  An additional outcome is to decrease identified achievement gaps.

  Requirements

  To realize the benefits of before- and after-school programming, students need to regularly attend the program, receive explicit academic instruction during their time in the program, and have access to high-quality staff.  In addition, barriers to access need to be considered, such as cost, availability, transportation, accessibility, and aligning programs.  Therefore, to take part in this grant opportunity, specific requirements must be met.

  Eligibility

  All schools are eligible to apply and are encouraged to partner with community organizations to implement the purpose of this grant. Schools that have the following designations will be given priority.

  • Any school designated as Comprehensive School in Need of Improvement (CSI);
  • Any school designated as Extended Comprehensive School in Need of Improvement  (E-CSI);
  • Any school designated as a Targeted School in Need of Improvement (TSI) or Extended Targeted School in Need of Improvement (E-TSI) located within a district that also has one or more schools designated as either CSI or E-CSI.

  Implementation Plan (Application Linked Here)

  Eligible schools interested in the Learning Beyond the Bell grant opportunity must develop a plan with a brief description that addresses each of the following:

  1. Need for the program(s) based on student performance, needs of the school and how this fits into the broader picture of the district.  Bonus points for those who provide a full meal to children in need with funding from USDA working with the bureau of food and nutrition.
  2. Program Description that includes a description of the program, including (a) focus (e.g., mathematics, reading) (b) evidence-based interventions to be used, (c) how the school will ensure fidelity of implementation of the selected intervention, and (d) how the program will align with other out-of-school programming. 
  3. Projected Costs for the program, including a budget table that outlines how the funds will be used to carry out evidenced-based before- and after-school activities to advance student achievement. For guidance on the appropriate use of funds, see ESSER III guidance.
  4. Plan for Implementation of the program(s), including (a) a plan to ensure daily attendance, (b) how students will be transported to and from the program, (c) high-quality staff that will be providing services and (d) community partnerships.

  Awards (Scoring Rubric Linked Here)

  Schools may apply for any award amount up to $200,000.

  Grants will be awarded until the funds are exhausted.

  Questions and Contact Information

  Jillian Dotson 

  515-97907237 or jillian.dotson@iowa.gov

  Veronica Andersen

  515-402-2736 or veronica.andersen@iowa.gov

  Chris Like

  515-336-3958 or chris.like@iowa.gov

  Vic Jargas 

  515-402-2729 or vic.jaras@iowa.gov

Attachments

Website links