Friday, February 25, 2011

New Funding to Support Youth Community Enagement and Academic Success

Recently, the Corporation for National and Community Service announced a new funding opportunity that seeks to improve student achievement by building community partnerships. Newly authorized by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the Learn and Serve America Youth Engagement Zone (YEZ) program will provide funding for eligible partnerships to develop coordinated school or community based service learning opportunities for secondary school students. Partnerships must place an emphasis on building diversity by connecting youth with citizens from diverse communities and backgrounds. According to the NOFA, eligible partnerships include at least one local education agency, one community college, and one community based entity. CNCS will award 5 to 7 grant awards that will range from approximately $700,000 to $1,500,000 to support three years of operations.

On our blog, we have often lifted up examples of communities partnering with schools to improve student success. In Providence, for example, the school district and community partners were able to develop a strategic framework for student success that includes both the results and indicators desired for students and the approaches and strategies needed to get there. Community based organizations that have experience with meeting unmet educational, environmental or public safety needs are encouraged to apply. Applications are due 5:00 p.m. ET on March 31, 2011.


Resources:
Partnerships for Learning Promise Practices in Integrating School and Out of School Time Programs, Harvard Family Research Project

No comments:

Post a Comment