American Graduate Engagement Grants
Grant: American Graduate Engagement Grants
Deadline: August 1, 2012
Description: In collaboration with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the National Center for Media Engagement (NCME) will offer additional grants to expand the impact of the American Graduate initiative. Grantees will be expected to develop a plan, or continue a plan already in action that raises awareness about the dropout crisis in the community and provides pathways to resources for community members.
NCME is offering engagement grants to stations to help them expand and deepen the American Graduate initiative. The purpose is to support stations committed to connecting with and engaging their communities to collaboratively address the dropout crisis over time. Additionally, each project must serve the goals of the grant, which include:
- Driving widespread awareness in the community about the causes and ramifications of the dropout rate.
- Mobilizing community members to actively support at-risk students through mentorship, community service or after school programs.
- Amplifying youth voices and their perspectives on the dropout crisis.
- Providing pathways to existing community resources.
- Creating and strengthening local dialogue and collaboration between stations and community organizations and/or individuals working on the dropout crisis.
Grantees will be expected to kick off their local efforts by participating in American Graduate Day USA on September 22, 2012. Each station grantee will then work in collaboration with community partners on project activities that fall into one of three categories:
- Community Awareness: projects that raise awareness in the community about the dropout crisis and potential solutions.
- Mentorship: projects that connect caring adults with opportunities to volunteer with at-risk youth.
-
Youth Media: projects that teach at-risk youth media skills for telling their own story and cultivating
skills essential for a 21st century workforce.
The first annual American Graduate Day USA to launch in September will be a full-day broadcast event dedicated to engaging communities around the dropout crisis and leveraging public media’s network of partners to mobilize communities around this critical issue. The event will then kick off a week of American Graduate-related programming airing on public television and radio stations nationally.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: This program is designed specifically for public broadcasters interested in becoming involved with, or continuing their involvement with the American Graduate initiative. Through the use of broadcast, community collaborations and classroom resources, public media stations are in a position raise awareness, and engage and empower students at risk of dropping out.
Eligibility: Any public radio, television station or joint licensee that receives a CPB Community Service Grant is eligible to apply. Collaborative applications involving a combination of station operation types (TV, joint, radio) within individual markets will be favored.
Stations receiving a grant through the “Community Hub” grant program are not eligible to apply. This includes primary applicant and partner stations.
Anticipated Funding: NCME anticipates awarding approximately 20 grants at $20,000 each. Partial awards will not be granted.
How to Apply: Applications must be completed using NCME’s web portal by Wednesday, August 1, 2012, 4:00 pm CT. All grant program and technical questions can be directed to Jess Main at NCME.
Resources:
Program Notice
NCME’s Web Portal
Sample Application
The official American Graduate webpage
