Round Two of Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge Applications Submitted

The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced that five states – Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oregon and Wisconsin – have submitted applications for second round of the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC).

The Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge is a key reform initiative focused on increasing access to high-quality early education and closing the school readiness gap. RTT-ELC can help schools ensure that children are on track to enter school with the skills necessary to succeed. Other RTT programs, such as the new District competition, will provide schools and teachers with resources to improve student achievement by focusing on student-teacher relationships and implementing parent engagement strategies.

The $133 million in funding for the second round of RTT-ELC is limited and, as a result, only five states were eligible to apply. These states submitted proposals for the first round of funding and, though they were not selected, had the next highest scores after the initial awards were announced in December 2011.

Awards for the second round of RTT-ELC are expected to be announced no later than December 31, 2012.  Applications for the RTT-District competition were due today (October 30). Grant awards are expected to be announced no later than December 31, 2012.

Stay tuned to our blog for updates on both the RTT-ELC and District competitions.