Promise Neighborhoods Applicants Receive Advantage for Partnering with Public Broadcasters
July 8, 2011
Department of Education Opens Promise Neighborhoods Grant Competition - Applicants Receive Advantage for Partnering with Public Broadcasters
In April 2011, APTS, CPB and PBS submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education on this program. When the final 2011 priorities, requirements, definitions and selection criteria were announced, we learned that some of our comments were incorporated into the final document.
For the 2011 competition, Priority 4, Comprehensive Local Early Learning Network, a competitive preference priority, includes the following: “The proposal must describe how the project will provide, to the extent practicable, early learning opportunities on multiple platforms (e.g., public television, web-based) and in multiple locations (e.g., at home, at school and at other community locations).” This makes clear that public television stations are valuable partners because they are unique community organizations that can help applicants address both aspects of this priority.
Applicants that meet Priority 4 can receive up to two additional points on their application. By partnering with public television stations, applicants can improve their chances of being awarded a grant. Stations should use this fact when discussing collaboration with potential partners.
Priority 4 was also updated to reflect our comment that early literacy and numeracy be included as a focus of this program. Applicants must now address early literacy and numeracy and may therefore need local partners who can implement programs that emphasize these concepts. Local stations can help address this requirement.
The Promise Neighborhoods program is an exciting opportunity for stations. This year's guidelines place particular emphasis on rural programs, early learning programs, internet connectivity, and access to arts and humanities programs. There is also a focus on family and community engagement and an invitational priority for adult education programs. Partnerships are essential to an applicant's success in this program, and stations are very valuable partners.
There are two types of Promise Neighborhoods grants – Planning Grants and Implementation Grants. The Department plans to award up to 10 planning grants for $500,000 each and between four and six implementation grants for a total of $23,450,000. Applications for both types of grants are due September 6, 2011.
As always, if your station is pursuing one of these grant partnerships, let us know what we can do to help!
