Magnet Schools Assistance Program
Grant: Magnet Schools Assistance Program
Agency: U.S. Department of Education
Division: Office of Innovation and Improvement
Deadline: The deadline was March 1, 2013.
Description: The Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) provides eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) with grants to support the development and implementation of magnet schools that operate under a desegregation plan. These grants are intended to assist LEAs as they reduce, eliminate or prevent minority group isolation in elementary and secondary schools. Magnet schools must also address the achievement of systemic reforms and provide all students with the opportunity to meet challenging academic content and student academic achievement standards.
Magnet schools under this program may focus on a wide variety of subject areas including math, science, technology, language immersion, visual and performing arts, or the humanities. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) anticipates funding projects that use capacity and professional development activities to address innovation education methods and practices, promote diversity and increase choices in public education programs.
This MSAP grant competition includes four competitive preference priorities. Applicants who address these priorities may receive up to an additional 40 points on their final application. Up to 10 additional points will be available under each priority. The first three priorities, all of which will be determined by the DOE, address the need for assistance, whether the project will result in a new magnet school or significantly revise an existing school, and the selection of participating students. The fourth priority, Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education, encourages applicants to design projects that provide students with increased access to STEM coursework and/or increase the professional development opportunities for educators of STEM subjects.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: Stations are not eligible to apply directly to this program, but would be well suited as partners. Stations involved in education and teacher training will find a natural fit here. Magnet schools have the ability to address key subject areas like STEM, visual and performing arts, or the humanities. Stations should consider reaching out to local districts to discuss partnering on magnet school projects in areas of overlapping interest. Those with experience in curriculum development and/or teacher training are especially encouraged to participate.
In 2012, Illinois Public Media partnered with the Champaign Community Unit School District #4, a recipient of the Magnet Schools Assistant Program grant. Illinois Public Media received $78,000 to provide media literacy training for both students and teachers, and offer support to the school’s 21st Century Digital Media Center. Read the Grant Center success story for more details on Illinois Public Media's involvement.
Eligibility: Local educational agencies (LEAs) or a consortia of LEAs are eligible to apply. Stations are encouraged to partner.
Anticipated Funding: An estimated $96,622,670 is available under this program for FY 2013. The DOE anticipates making 40 awards with an estimated range of $350,000 to $4,000,000 per award, and a project period of up to 36 months.
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted electronically via 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 grant deadline.
Resources:
Program notice
Program website
