Department of Education Announces Scale-Up and Validation i3 Funding

The Department of Education (ED) has released a notice inviting applications (NIA) for the 2012 Scale-Up and Validation Investing in Innovation (i3) grants. Up to $25 million is available for Scale-Up grants, which will be awarded to projects that have demonstrated strong evidence of success in improving student achievement. Similarly, i3 has made $15 million available for Validation grants, which will fund programs that have generated moderate evidence of success and require further research. Earlier this month, ED released the pre-application for i3 Development grants, which funds untested, high-potential programs that will improve student achievement.

As in past years, the 2012 Scale-Up, Validation and Development grants will fund programs and initiatives that support effective teachers and principals, improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, implement high academic standards and turn around low-performing schools. In addition, competitive preference will be given to Scale-Up and Validation grant applications that address up to two of the following priorities: 

• Improving early learning outcomes
• Increasing college access and success
• Addressing the needs of students with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency
• Improving productivity 
• Using technology 

Pre-applications for the Scale-Up and Validation grants are due May 29th. Pre-Applications for the Development grant are due April 9th. The highest-rated applications will be announced in the fall. These applicants will be required to secure a private sector match of 15% for Development grants, 10% for Validation grants and 5% for Scale-Up grants in order to be awarded an i3 grant.

Please click here for more information about the i3 program, as well as more detailed information about the pre-applications process.