Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs: FY2010

Adult and Community Learning Services

April 7, 2009

Dear Grant Applicant:

Enclosed for your review and response is the FY2010 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Adult Basic Education (ABE) Continuation Grants. This RFP is intended for applicants funded currently by the Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS) unit of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department). The grant programs and fund codes included in this RFP are listed on page 2.

To be considered for refunding, programs must meet the requirements and intent of the authorizing state and federal legislation and regulations governing the program and must have conducted a successful program in FY2009. Applications for state-funded projects are due by Monday, May 18, 2009. Applications for federally-funded projects are due by Monday, August 3, 2009.

Please note a new emphasis in FY2010 on providing greater access to intensive instructional services to students who can benefit from such services. This year, Community Adult Learning Center programs (Fund Codes: 340 and 345) are asked to respond to questions about increased intensity in the Part III - Required Program Information section. To address challenging economic times and to respond to community needs such as rising unemployment rates, layoffs, and jobs demanding higher skills, this refunding application includes the option of regulatory flexibility in specific areas for programs that are able to increase instructional intensity. To allow programs to offer one or more classes of nine hours or more of instruction per week, ACLS has modified some of the program planning regulations, for example:

1. Approving consolidating or eliminating summer classes

2. Waiving all but the first sequence of three levels

3. Approving new Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) for part of the one required sequence of three levels

4. Waving the 20% cap on non-rates classes

5. Waving the 32-week requirement (while maintaining minimum 150 hours/year)

Community Adult Learning Centers that would like to increase intensity, but are unable to increase class instruction to the minimum of nine hours per week, should contact their Program Specialist to discuss their options.

Please note that, for FY2010, the SMARTT program planning tool includes two options for completing the staffing chart. While some directors find the original, more detailed chart to be a helpful planning tool, an abbreviated staffing chart that combines many similar functions has been developed for those who no longer need the more detailed tool. Either staffing chart is acceptable, at the refunding applicant's discretion.

This continuation application package is for use by the following grant programs.

1. Community Adult Learning Centers Basic Proposal and Program Service Options - Fund Codes: 340 (Federal) and 345 (State)

   1. Program Service Option 1 - ABE for the Homeless

   2. Program Service Option 2 - Participatory Health Education

   3. Program Service Option 3 - Family Literacy

   4. Program Service Option 4 - Volunteer Tutoring Component

2. English Literacy and Civics Education - Fund Code: 359 (Federal)

3. ABE Instructional Program for Incarcerated Adults - Fund Codes: 285 (Federal) and 563 (State)

4. Primary Instruction by Volunteers - Fund Code: 287 (State)

5. Workplace Education - Fund Code: 538 (State)

6. Career Centers - Fund Code: 342 (Federal)

7. Transition to Community Colleges - Fund Code: 668 (State)

8. Distance Learning - Fund Code: 669 (Federal)

Applicants should refer to Table 1 for funding amounts. As a result of population changes, the federal allocation to Massachusetts was reduced. The grant awards to Fund Codes: 340, 345, 359, 285, 563, 287, and 342 are 2% less than the FY2009 funding level. It is important to note that funding levels are subject to the approval of state and federal appropriations and programs will be notified of any additional changes in funding levels. Please note that no expense may be charged to the grant before Adult and Community Learning Services submits an approved budget to Grants Management. State and federal regulations require that separate and auditable records be maintained for each project that you conduct.

We look forward to reviewing your grant application and continuing our work together in providing highly effective Adult Basic Education services to the undereducated and limited English proficient adults in the Commonwealth.

Sincerely,

Anne Serino, Administrator
Adult and Community Learning Services