Training for Realtime Writers Program
Grant: Training for Realtime Writers Program
Agency: U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
Division: Office of Postsecondary Education
Deadline: The deadline was May 31, 2013.
Description: The objective of the Training for Realtime Writers Program is to promote training and placement of individuals, as realtime writers in order to meet the requirements of closed captioning of video programming set forth in section 713 of the Communications Act of 1934. In order to achieve these goals, it is necessary for all applicants to demonstrate the following:
- Capability to increase the capacity to train realtime writers.
- Collaboration with educational institutions, businesses, labor organizations or other community groups having the potential to train or provide job placement assistance.
- Promising and innovative approaches for initiating or expanding training or job placement assistance efforts with respect to realtime writers.
As part of this program, grantees are expected to address recruitment, scholarships, distance learning, English and Spanish bilingual curriculum and mentoring.
Competitive preference is given to applications that address the following priorities. One additional point will be given for each category.
- Improving productivity – projects designed to increase efficiency in use of time, staff, money and other resources while improving the quality of learning.
- Enabling more data-based decision making – projects designed to collect, analyze and use high-quality and timely data to improve postsecondary student outcomes and provide reliable information to the DOE.
- Technology – projects designed to improve student achievement or teacher effectiveness through the use of high-quality digital tools or materials.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: This program is a great fit for university licensees who have already established a relationship with an institute of higher education. The technology competitive preference priority is an exceptionally good fit for public media stations calling for teachers to use technology to improve instruction as well as develop and implement digital tools or materials.
In 2011, Huntington Junior College of Huntington, West Virginia used their award to enhance the existing distance learning experience. The institution used $100,000 to give students direct access 24/7 to professional software at no additional cost to the student. Read more on this project.
Eligibility: Stations are not eligible alone, but are encouraged to partner with an institute of higher education (IHE) which offers a court reporting program.
Anticipated Funding: An estimated $1,068,870 is expected to be granted across four awards in FY14. Each award will range in size from $200,000 - $300,000, with a project period of up to 60 months.
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted electronically using Grants.gov. Online submission requires registration, a process that usually takes three to five business days but can take as long as four weeks. Be sure to visit Grants.gov and begin registering well in advance of the deadline.
Resources:
Program notice
Program website
Past grantees
