Applications (Original and Three Copies) Must Be Received No Later Than 4 P.M. Ontuesday

GENERAL INFORMATION

AND

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications (original and three copies) must be received no later than 4 p.m. onTuesday,

November 12, 2013.

MAIL TO:HAND DELIVER TO:

Dr. Philip C. Cleveland, DirectorDr. Philip C. Cleveland, Director

Career and Technical Education/Career and Technical Education/

Workforce DevelopmentWorkforce Development

ATTN: Ms. Margaret SmithAlabama State Department of Education

Alabama State Department of EducationGordon Persons Building

P. O. Box 302101Third Floor, Room 3313

Montgomery, AL 36130-210150 North Ripley Street

Montgomery, AL 36104

NOTE: All Federal Express mail should be delivered to:

Dr. Philip C. Cleveland, Director

Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development

ATTN: Ms. Margaret Smith

Alabama State Department of Education

50 North Ripley Street

Montgomery, Alabama 36104

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Grant Overview------3

Introduction ------4

Application Instructions------4

Application Format------4

Application Submission------5

Site Visits------5

Appendices

Appendix A: Request for Proposals

Appendix B: Budget

Appendix C: Assurances

Appendix D: Logic Template/Management Plan

OPENINGDOORS

COLLEGE ACCESS CHALLENGE GRANT MODEL PROGRAM

FY 2014

Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006,

P.L. 109-270 (CFDA 84.048)

I.GRANT OVERVIEW

Division/SectionAlabama State Department of Education

Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development Section

InstructionsComplete all pages of the application packet and return by 4 p.m. onTuesday,November12, 2013. Mail to: Dr. Philip C. Cleveland, Director, Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development, ATTN: Ms.Margaret Smith, P.O.Box302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101 (for Federal Express: 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104) or hand deliver to: Dr. Philip C.Cleveland, Director, Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development, Gordon Persons Building, 3rd Floor, Room 3313, 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. No faxed copies will be accepted. Submit original and three copies.

Funding PurposeTo provide funding for planning and implementation of activities directly related to research, planning, and implementation of a one-day or one-half-day program to provide financial aid information to students, parents, and educators leading to the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by members of underrepresented student populations as defined in the Alabama College Access Challenge Grant. Provision for the opportunity to complete the online FAFSA must be a part of the program.

Funding PrioritiesProposalsthat document strong partnerships for higher education/postsecondary institutions and local education agencies (LEA). This partnership must represent the entire LEA, not individual schools or geographic areas within an LEA. More than one higher education/postsecondary institution may partner for the activity. Activities in the RFP should not replicate programs or activities already in place.

Eligible ApplicantsAll higher education/postsecondary institutions that are currently in compliance with federal and state regulations.

Type of AwardCompetitive

Type of ProposalPlanning and Implementation

Funding A maximum of twenty-five (25) grants up to $15,000 will be available for implementation.

Funding PeriodDecember 1, 2013,to June 1, 2014

Date of AwardFunds are available for obligation upon receipt of award letter through June 1, 2014.

Technical AssistanceStaff from the Alabama State Department of Education, Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development Section, will be available for technical assistance during the planning and implementation process. For technical assistance contact Ms. Margaret Smith by telephone at 334-353-0777 or by e-mail at .

Allowable CostsSites agree to use funds to pay for instructional materials, supplies, printing, professional development, and travel. Salaries may not be paid from grant funds. Equipment may not be purchased with grant funds.

Proposal Due DateProposals must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday,November 12, 2013.

3

II.INTRODUCTION

The Alabama College Access Challenge Grant has two primary goals: (1) to significantly increase the percentage of Alabama’s qualified, underrepresented students that completethe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); enroll in college; and receive a certificate, credential, or degree annually;and (2) to improve the capacity of Alabama’s middle school, secondary, and postsecondary counselors and financial aid administrators to promote financial literacy and deliver relevant financial awareness information for transition period from secondary to higher education to qualified, underrepresented students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. This RFP is to address both of these goals.

III.APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Proposal must address all the statements in the sequence and format provided below and is based upon the proposal objectives and other information as required. A table of contents, which references the responses to the statements and appendix, must be included.

While the information requested for the application is comprehensive, the responses and descriptions should be succinct.

IV.APPLICATION FORMAT

1. Application

The two-page application must appear as the cover for the proposal. Appendix A

1. Summary/Abstract

Include no more than a two-page summary/abstract of the proposed program that briefly describes the demographics of the geographic areas to be served, how the grant will provide opportunities for underrepresented students, and how data of participation will be collected and validated. Identify the overall goals related to the needs assessment and provide specific, measurable objectives toreachthesegoals.

1. Proposal Narrative

Provide a written description of how the proposal will address each of the components listed below. Responses to these items need to be limited to a total of ten pages. All narrative responses must be double-spaced and typed in 12-point font with minimum one-inch margins.

1. Description and Documentation of Need

Provide a detailed description of the program. Include any valid and reliable data that supports the identified needs of this program.

1. Goals/Measurable Objectives

Identify the overall goals related to the needs assessment and specific, measurable objectives to reach these goals.

1. Support, Involvement, and Program Sustainability

Identify meaningful ways your institution and the LEAs included in the RFP, local business, and various community resources will assist with the program and how they will ensure sustainability.

1. Professional Development

Describe the professional development schedule including content and time line for the high-quality professional development activities that will assist in the successful implementation of this proposal.

1. Implementation of Program Activities

In chronological order, provide a detailed time line of activities for the program. Use of logic template/management plan should be used for this purpose.Timelines for implementation of activities must be followed within the set guidelines to ensure that all activities are effective and completed by the deadline date of June 1, 2014. All site coordinators must provide written documentation of all activities and participants. Please include samples of newspaper articles or clippings, scripts from radio announcements, brochures, pamphlets, trainer materials, attendance sheets, TV broadcasts, pictures, flash drives, etc. Keep and submit database of participants for all activities using attendance rosters, FAFSA Website completers, telephone logs, number enrolled in postsecondary institutions, bus tours, and all who are served through the College Access Challenge Grant Program. All materials and supplies may not be viewed as recruitment materials for the institution. Materials must reflect the Alabama Career Information Network at and/or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If sub grantees will be receiving partial funds they must be listed in the narrative and meet all grant requirements. Appendix D.

4

1. Assessment of Student Achievement

Describe how student attendance and parent attendance will be measured from the implementation of the program activities. Specifically state or indicate how students/parents will complete the online FAFSA as part of the grant program.

1. Budget and Budget Summary

Complete the proposed budget form and describe in detail each line item of the budget. The budget summary should identify the amount of funds requested for each category as well as the total. All proposed budget revisions must meet the grant guidelines and be submitted within a timely manner on the original grant application form including amount of funds requested for each category as well as the total. Please note that funding for professional development is limited to activities approved by the Alabama State Department of Education, Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development Section. See Appendix B.

E.Written Commitment from School Administration

Each participating LEA administration must indicate its support of the proposed program and its potential impact on its schools by signing the Statement of Assurances. Appendix C.

V.APPLICATION SUBMISSION

To be considered for funding, all applications submitted must adhere to the following requirements:

• Applications must address all elements of the proposal narratives.

• Applications must follow the format described in this document.
• Applications must be in 12-point font, double-spaced on one side of standard (8½″ x 11″), unruled white paper with minimum one-inch margins.
• Applications may be stapled in the upper left-hand corner but should not be bound or placed in a binder.
• One original set of documents bearing the requested signatures, signed in blue ink, and three (3) copies of the proposal must be submitted.
• Applications may not be faxed or transmitted by e-mail.
• Applications can be submitted by regular mail, express courier delivery, or hand delivery.

Please note that the evaluation form used to rate RFPs is provided at the end of this document to help you in evaluating your proposal before submission. See Appendix A.

MAIL TO:HAND DELIVER TO:

Dr. Philip C. Cleveland, DirectorDr. Philip C. Cleveland, Director

Career and Technical Education/Career and Technical Education/

Workforce DevelopmentWorkforce Development

ATTN: Ms. Margaret SmithAlabama State Department of Education

Alabama State Department of EducationGordon Persons Building

P. O. Box 302101Third Floor, Room 3313

Montgomery, AL 36130-210150 North Ripley Street

Montgomery, AL 36104

NOTE: All Federal Express mail should be delivered to:

Dr. Philip C. Cleveland, Director

Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development

ATTN: Ms. Margaret Smith

Alabama State Department of Education

50 North Ripley Street

Montgomery, AL 36104

I.SITE VISITS

During the2013-2014 academic school year, all awardees will be monitored and evaluated to ensure quality and effectiveness in achieving the goals and objectives of the program activities funded through this grant. This site visit will also provide an opportunity to determine specific technical assistance needed for program success.

5

APPENDIX A

Request for Proposals

Alabama State Department of Education Original Application

Career and Technical Education/Amended Application

Workforce Development SectionAmendment No.

Effective Date

OPENING DOORS

COLLEGE ACCESS CHALLENGE GRANT MODEL PROGRAM APPLICATION

FY 2014

Instructions: Complete all pages of the application packet and return by 4 p.m. onTuesday, November 12, 2013. Mailto: Dr. Philip C. Cleveland, Director, Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development, ATTN: Ms.Margaret Smith, P.O.Box302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101 (for Federal Express: 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104) or hand deliver to: Dr. Philip C. Cleveland, Director, Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development, Gordon Persons Building, 3rd Floor, Room 3313, 50North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. No faxed copies will be accepted. Submit original and three copies.

College/University:

Grant Administrator / Site Coordinator
Name: / Name:
Address: / Address:
Telephone: / Telephone:
Fax: / Fax:
E-mail: / E-mail:

Purpose: To provide funding for planning and implementation of activities directly related to research, planning, and implementation of a one-day or one-half-day program to provide financial aid information to students, parents, and educators leading to the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by members of underrepresented student populations focusing on the class of 2014 as defined in the Alabama College Access Challenge Grant. Provision for the opportunity to complete the online FAFSA must be a part of the program.

A maximum of twenty-five (25) grants of up to $15,000 will be available for the activities included in a grant for implementation of a program that provides opportunities for underrepresented students to participate in the completion of the FAFSA. When possible, activities under the grant should be held during February 2014.

Date of the Award: Funds are available for obligation from December 1, 2013, through June 1, 2014.

Allowable Costs: Sites agree to use funds to pay for instructional materials, supplies, printing, professional development, substitutes, stipends, and travel.

Reason for Amendment: ______

CERTIFICATION:

I have reviewed the attached application/budget. The proposed expenditures appear to be coded properly and will be incorporated into the LEA systemwide budget.

______

Chief School Financial OfficerDate

I certify that I am authorized by the governing board of the above-named school system to submit this application or amendment; that all assurances, certifications, and disclosures submitted with the Program Application and Accountability Plans for Career and Technical Education will be observed; that the program will be implemented as described; and that the governing board is responsible for complying with all state and federal requirements, including the resolution of any audit exceptions.

______

President’s Original SignatureDate

FOR SDE USE ONLY

Approved: ______

Thomas R. Bice, State Superintendent of Education

Alabama State Department of Education Original Application

Career and Technical Education/Amended Application

Workforce Development SectionAmendment No.

Effective Date

OPENING DOORS

COLLEGE ACCESS CHALLENGE GRANT MODEL PROGRAM

FY 2014

Statements of Agreement

Grant recipients agree to:

1. Serve as a demonstration site for Best Practices.
2. Serve as a presenter of Best Practices in workshops sponsored and/or supported by the Alabama State Department of Education.
3. Develop and share exemplary resource materials with visiting LEAs and the Alabama State Department of Education to assist sites in implementing a program that provides opportunities for underrepresented students to complete high school and apply for financial aid.
4. Participate in baseline data to increase the number of underrepresented students within the PS/HE service area that complete the FAFSA.
5. Participate in Alabama State Department of Education monitoring activities before June 1, 2014.
6. Participate in Alabama State Department of Education annual performance reports that document progress towards expected program objectives before June 1, 2014.

______

President (Signature)Financial Aid Officer (Signature)Date

Each LEA included in the RFP must be listed below. Signature will indicate acceptance of the Statements of Agreement and support for the activities of the RFP.

Superintendent
Name:
LEA:
Signature:
Superintendent
Name:
LEA:
Signature:
Superintendent
Name:
LEA:
Signature:
Superintendent
Name:
LEA:
Signature:
Superintendent
Name:
LEA:
Signature:
Superintendent
Name:
LEA:
Signature:
Superintendent
Name:
LEA:
Signature:
Superintendent
Name:
LEA:
Signature:

APPENDIX B

Budget

Alabama State Department of Education / FY 2014
ES-6PS/ES-20PS (Rev 9/12)
OPENING DOORS COLLEGE ACCESS CHALLENGE GRANT (FISCAL PERIOD 12/1/13 – 6/1/14)
CFDA 84.378
Budget for Fiscal Year 12/1/2013- 6/1/2014
-- FEDERAL FUNDS --
Line Items
Amount
Salaries/Stipends (itemize on p. 3):
$
Benefits (itemize on p. 3):
$
Travel *
$
Purchased Services *
$
Advertising *
$
Printing *
$
Workshop Supplies *
$
Other Items *
$
$
$
$
TOTAL BUDGET/EXPENDITURES: / $ / 0.00
AlabamaState
Department of Education / FY 2014
ES-6PS/ES-20PS (Rev 9/12)
OPENING DOORS COLLEGE ACCESS CHALLENGE GRANT (FISCAL PERIOD 12/1/13 - 6/1/14)
CFDA 84.378
Budget or Budget Amendment
Expenditure Report
AGENCY:
Personnel/Salaries/Stipends:
Position/Title / Objective / Annual / No. of / Monthly / % of / Total
Attach job description / Indicator / Rate / Months / Rate / Time / Salary
TOTAL SALARIES/STIPENDS:
Benefits: / Amount
FICA (TOTAL SALARIES/STIPENDS x %)
Teachers Retirement (TOTAL SALARIES/STIPENDS x %)
Unemployment Comp (TOTAL SALARIES/STIPENDS x ______% [indicate percentage])
Insurance - PEEHIP ($ /MO)
TOTAL BENEFITS:

Please describe on page 4.

Alabama State
Department of Education / FY 2014
ES-6PS/ES-20PS (Rev 9/12)
OPENING DOORS COLLEGE ACCESS CHALLENGE GRANT (FISCAL PERIOD 12/1/13 - 6/1/14)
CFDA 84.378
BUDGET OR AMENDMENT
NARRATIVE
Travel, Purchased Services, Advertising, Printing, Workshop Supplies, and Other Items
AGENCY:
INSTRUCTIONS: Describe actual uses of funds expended for travel, purchased services, advertising, printing, workshop supplies, and other items. Explain types of purchases, listing large purchases separately. Address non supplanting requirement as necessary. Use additional sheets if needed.
Travel:
Purchased Services:
Advertising:
Printing:
Workshop Supplies:
Other Items:
* Please describe on page 4.
Alabama Department of Education
ES-6PS/ES-20PS (Rev 9/12) / FY 2014
OPENING DOORS COLLEGE ACCESS CHALLENGE GRANT (FISCAL PERIOD 12/1/13 - 6/1/14)
CFDA 84.378
FINAL EXPENDITURE REPORT
NARRATIVE
Travel, Purchased Services, Advertising, Printing, Workshop Supplies, and Other Items
AGENCY:
INSTRUCTIONS: Describe actual uses of funds expended for travel, purchased services, advertising, printing, workshop supplies, and other items. Explain types of purchases, listing large purchases separately. Address non supplanting requirement as necessary. Use additional sheets if needed.
Travel:
Purchased Services:
Advertising:
Printing:
Workshop Supplies:
Other Items:
* Please describe on page 4.
Alabama State Department of Education
Policy & Budget, SDE Accounting (Rev 9/13) / Applicant Agency
ES-2 / Fiscal Year / 2014
FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS
Monthly Summary of Funds
(1) / (2) / (3) / (4) / (5) / (6) / (7)
ALLOCATION / / RECEIPTS TO / UNPAID / DISBURSEMENTS / CASH BALANCE / CASH
GRANT NAME / GRANT AMOUNT / DATE / CLAIMS / THRU ______ / Col. [(2) + (3)] - (4) / REQUESTED / BALANCE
CACG
Salaries / - / -
Benefits / - / -
Travel / - / -
Purchased Services / - / -
Advertising / - / -
Printing / - / -
Workshop Supplies / - / -
Other Items / - / -
TOTAL / - / -
Remarks:
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge, this information is correct and that
funds were and/or will be expended in accordance with the approved budget(s).
Form completed by:
Telephone/E-mail:
Signature of President / Date
FOR SDE USE ONLY
CLB
VOUCHER NO.
DATE VOUCHERED

APPENDIX C