Predominantly Black Institutions Formula Grant Program
Grant: PBI Formula Grant Program
Agency: U.S. Department of Education
Division: Office of Postsecondary Education
Deadline: Phase 1: July 21, 2010; Phase 2: August 20, 2010
Description: Through the Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Formula Grant Program, the Department of Education makes grant awards to predominantly black institutions of higher education to:
- Plan, develop, undertake and implement programs to enhance their capacity to serve more low- and middle-income Black American students.
- Expand higher education opportunities for eligible students by encouraging college preparation and student persistence in secondary and postsecondary education.
- Strengthen the financial ability of the institutions to serve the academic needs of these students.
For example, funds from this program may be used for:
- Academic instruction in disciplines in which Black Americans are underrepresented.
- Establishing or enhancing a program of teacher education designed to qualify students to teach in a public elementary school or secondary school.
- Establishing community outreach programs that will encourage elementary school and secondary school students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue postsecondary education.
- Development and improvement of academic programs.
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students or the students' families.
- Creating or improving facilities for internet or other distance learning technologies.
Fit for public broadcasting: Although public television stations cannot be the lead applicant for this program, this could be a partnership opportunity for local stations, especially those with university licenses. Only applicants that are predominantly black institutions of higher education are eligible to apply. As stated above, some of the suggested activities under this grant program include teacher education, improvement of academic programs, financial literacy education and improvement of online and distance learning programs. Many public broadcasting stations have expertise in these areas and could be valuable partners for predominantly black institutions of higher education.
Eligibility: Predominantly black institutions of higher education who meet the program's eligibility requirements are eligible to apply.
Anticipated Funding: There is an estimated $10,801,000 available for this grant. All applicant institutions who meet the eligibility requirements will receive a portion of the total appropriations, and no grantee will receive less than $250,000.
How to Apply: Applications can be obtained online. The application process for this program has two phases: Phase I involves submitting data used to run the funding formula; Phase II includes the narrative project plan and standard forms. Applications for grants under this competition must be submitted electronically as an email attachment.
Resources:
Program notice
Program website
