Strategies Targeting Characteristics Common to Female Ex-Offenders
Grant: Strategies Targeting Characteristics Common to Female Ex-Offenders
Agency: U.S. Department of Labor
Division: Employment and Training Administration
Deadline: The deadline was April 17, 2013.
Description: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is seeking proposals for projects serving ex-offenders pre-and post-release. Applicants are expected to propose an integrated strategy that includes empowerment and self-development, workforce development, education and case management, as well as required and additional state and/or local partnerships. The integrated strategy should incorporate a number of key components including:
- Empowerment and Self-development: Personal development activities include the development of non-technical or soft skills, abilities and traits needed to function in the workplace. Mentoring is a popular activity used to carry out this component.
- Education and Training: For projects targeting youth, the educational component places a high priority on the attainment of a high school diploma. For those targeting adults focus is placed on the attainment of a high school diploma or state equivalent, and increasing literacy and numeracy skills.
- Workforce Development: Here, projects should assist participants in developing their career goals and understanding career pathway options. Acceptable activities may include vocational and/or occupational training opportunities, internships and apprenticeships.
More details on what is expected and required as part of the proposed integrated strategy is found in the program notice.
The overall goal of the program is to improve the long-term labor market prospects of youth and adult ex-offenders who demonstrate characteristics common to female ex-offenders. Applicants may choose to serve either youth (aged 14-21) or adults (18+) but may not serve both. Emphasis is placed on female ex-offenders, but services must also be made available to eligible male ex-offenders.
Through this competition, grantees are required to partner with a number of state and local agencies and community organizations to carry out their project. These partners differ depending on the target population. See the program notice for more detailed information regarding partnership requirements.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: This program is a fit for stations involved in education and workforce development. While stations are eligible to apply directly to this program, they may find their services are better utilized as partners. Multiple local and state partnerships are critical components of all proposed projects. The program notice mentions alternative education providers by name as potential partners. This includes those providing services and instruction that assist participants with attaining a high school diploma or state equivalent, an area where many stations are already active. Those involved with American Graduation and/or GED prep will find a natural fit here.
Eligibility: Any nonprofit organization, including community based organizations, are eligible to apply. Cost sharing is not required for this competition.
Anticipated Funding: ETA is expected to have approximately $12 million available under this competition and anticipates funding approximately eight grants, each with a project period of 37 months. Applicants may submit proposals for up to $1.5 million, with the amount requested depending on the number of participants served.
How to Apply: Applications may be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, or in hard copy by U.S. mail or hand delivery. 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 grant deadline.
All proposals submitted by mail should be sent to:
U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance
Attention: Latifa Jeter, Grant Officer
Reference SGA/DFA PY 12-04
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N4716
Washington, DC 20210
Resources:
Program notice
The U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration website
