Volume 12, Number2February 29,2012
Headlines
U.S. Labor Department Announces Final Rule Expanding Occupational Skills Training Available to YouthBuild Participants. The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has issued a final rule implementing the YouthBuild Transfer Act of 2006, which establishes the program within the Labor Department. The final rule incorporates comments received by the public throughout the comment period. Notable changes include expanding the occupational skills training available to YouthBuild participants to non-construction industries, including health care, information technology and other high demand industries. The rule also clarifies how students will allocate their time among education courses, occupation skills training, and leadership and/or community activities. In addition, the rule provides greater detail on allowable costs for construction materials and clarifies Davis-Bacon wage rules as they pertain to YouthBuild. The final rule has an effective date of 60 days after publication in the Federal Register and can be viewed at To view the press release, visit:
Doctor Jill Biden and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis Kickoff the Community College to Career Bus Tour. Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis embarked on a three-day “Community College to Career” bus tour. The purpose of the tour is to highlight innovative industry initiatives that are helping train students with the skills they need to meet area workforce needs. President Obama recently announced a new $8 billion Community College to Career Fund co-administered by the Department of Labor and Department of Education to forge new partnerships between community colleges and businesses to train two million workers with skills that will lead directly to jobs. During the tour, Dr. Biden and Secretary Solis visited several community colleges to learn about model industry partnerships. To obtain additional information, visit:
IBM Unveils Playbook for U.S. Cities to Develop Grades 9-14 Schools That Prepare Students for Technology Jobs. IBM released a new playbook designed to outline how to develop an innovative grades 9-14 school that connects education to economic development and good-paying jobs. (#THINKskills) In conjunction with the release of the playbook, IBM also unveiled plans to partner with Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago to open a grades 9-14 school in the City of Chicago enabling students to graduate with an associate's degree and enter the workforce with the marketable skills that many employers now require. The playbook demonstrates how Chicago and other cities across the United States can implement and replicate an education model that blends high school, college and career into one. Called "STEM Pathways to College and Careers Schools: A Development Guide," the playbook is the result of a three-month IBM Smarter Cites Challenge grant to the City of Chicago. It outlines specific details such as designing a curriculum, creating an integrated college experience, and building a strong teaching faculty. To view the press release, visit:
Funding ANNOUNCEMENTS
U.S. Department of Labor Announces More than $12 million in Grants Available to States to Improve Workforce Data Quality. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced that $12 million is available for grants through the Workforce Data Quality Initiative, which will enable states to build or expand longitudinal databases that link workforce and education data to improve understanding about the performance of workforce development programs among those who benefit from and make decisions about them. The U.S. Department of Labor anticipates awarding approximately 12 grants of up to $1 million each for a 36 month period of performance. This opportunity stems from the Obama Administration's focus on access to high-quality data and is a sister initiative to the U.S. Department of Education's Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems project. Current Workforce Data Quality Initiative grantees are ineligible for this round of funding. To view information on the current grantees, visit: For information on applying for a grant, visit: To view the press release, visit:
Funding opportunities
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Availability of Funds to Help Young Adult Former Offenders Get on Right Track through Training and Service Learning. The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of approximately $30 million in grants through its Training and Service Learning program for projects to help young adult ex-offenders gain valuable jobs skills while giving back to their communities through service. Awarded through a competitive process, the grants will provide participants with meaningful community service projects and service learning opportunities, educational intervention to help them earn high school diplomas and industry recognized credentials, a career development component that seeks to place each participant in a job that also teaches skills, and post-program support and follow-up. The department expects to award a minimum of 20 grants. Any nonprofit organization, unit of state or local government, and Indian or Native American entity eligible for grants under the Workforce Investment Act's Section 166 may apply. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: To view the press release, visit: Deadline: April 17.
U.S. Department of Education Invites Applications for its “Investing Innovation Fund” Program. The U.S. Department of Education is accepting applications for its “Investing in Innovation Fund program. The program is designed to provide competitive grants to applicants with a record of improving student achievement and attainment. Grant funds are available to expand the investment in, innovative practices that have an impact on improving student achievement or student growth, closing achievement gaps, decreasing dropout rates, increasing high school graduation rates, or increasing college enrollment and completion rates. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: Deadlines: Notice of Intent to Submit Pre-Application: March 15, 2012; Transmittal of Pre-applications: April 9, 2012.
U.S. Department of Justice Releases Three Second Chance Act Solicitations. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) released solicitations for three Second Chance Act grant programs. These programs furthers the Department’s commitment to provide services and help facilitate the successful reintegration of offenders as they return to their communities. BJA is accepting applications for the following grants:
Adult Planningand Demonstration Grants. Jurisdictions may use grant funds to plan and implement programs to reduce recidivism and ensure safe reentry of adults back to the community. Eligible applicants are limited to state and local government agencies and federally recognized Indian tribes (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior). To obtain additional information and application, visit: Deadline: April 24, 2012.
Adult Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders Grants will fundresidential dual diagnosis substance abuse and mental health disorder treatment programs. Eligible applicants are limited to states, units of local government, and federally-recognized Indian tribal governments (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior). To obtain additional information and an application, visit:
Deadline: April 24, 2012.
Family-Based Substance Abuse Grants: provide funds to establish or enhance residential substance abuse treatment programs in correctional facilities with family supportive services. Eligible applicants are limited to states, units of local government, and federally-recognized Indian tribal governments (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior). To obtain additional information and application, visit:
Deadline: April 24, 2012.
Kessler Foundation Seeks Grant Proposals for Employment Programs for People With Disabilities in New Jersey. The Kessler Foundation is accepting applications for its 2012 Community Employment Grant program. The program supports employment opportunities and career advancement for individuals living in New Jersey with mobility and/or cognitive impairments primarily caused by neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Nonprofit organizations serving New Jersey residents that are tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code may apply for a grant. Grant awards will range between $25,000 and $50,000 for a one-year period. To obtain additional information and an application, visit:
Deadline: March 15.
Ruderman Family Foundation Announces New International Prize Program for Organizations Serving Jews with Disabilities. The Ruderman Family Foundation is accepting applications for its Ruderman Prize in Disability. This new award program is designed to support excellence and innovation in services, advocacy, and support of Jews with disabilities worldwide. The program also seeks to recognize organizations anywhere in the world that support the foundation's goals of promoting the full inclusion of all persons with disabilities and increasing public awareness of both the contributions and needs of persons with disabilities worldwide. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status (or foreign equivalent). Up to ten Jewish organizations or organizations with unique Jewish programs will be awarded up to $200,000. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: Deadline: March 15.
Motorola Mobility Foundation Invites Applications for Empowerment Grants Program.The Motorola Mobility Foundationis accepting applications for its 2012 Empowerment Grants program. The program is designed to help United States-based nonprofit organizations develop mobile applications and use mobile technology that will help transform and benefit the communities they serve. Empowerment grants focus areas are — education, health and wellness, community, and arts and culture. Eligible applicants must be a U.S. registered or incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or an National Center for Education Statistics school or school district; must serve communities in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, or Pennsylvania, or be an online or national program; must be actively collaborating with at least one other nonprofit, social enterprise, or community group; and must be aligned with funding priorities in education, health and wellness, community, or arts and culture. Approximately twenty awardees will receive $25,000. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: Deadline: March 23.
The Corporation for National and Community Service Announces the Availability of Funds for its Social Innovation Fund Program. The Corporation for National and Community Service is accepting applications for its 2012 Social Innovation Fund program. The program is designed to award grants to existing grantmaking institutions to direct resources to innovative community-based nonprofit organizations to identify, validate, and grow promising approaches to overcoming challenges facing local communities. Approximately $10-15 million in grants will be awarded to up to six grantmaking intermediaries. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: Deadline: March 27.
Tech Museum of Innovation Invites Nominations for Tech Awards Honoring Innovations Benefitting Humanity. The Tech Museum of Innovation is accepting nominations for its Tech Awards. The awards are designed to recognize individuals, organizations, and companies from around the world that are utilizing innovative technology solutions to address urgent issues in the areas of education, equality, environment, health, and economic development. The technology used can be either a new invention or an innovative use of an existing technology. Individuals, not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit companies are eligible are eligible for nomination. Self-nominations are also accepted. Awards will be presented in each of the five program categories. Three laureates in each category will be selected and one laureate per category will receive $50,000. Laureates will be honored at an annual gala event and inducted into the Tech Awards Network. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: Deadline: April 1.
The Foundation for Youth Investment Offers Funding to Connect Underserved Youth to Outdoors in Northern and Central California. The Foundation for Youth Investment invites applications from Northern and Central California nonprofits for its Catalyst Fund program grants. The grants are designed to support work to connect youth with outdoor experiences within or near their communities. Eligible applicants must be a federal and California tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization; or a public agency, school district, or federally recognized tribe; or have an eligible tax-exempt organization serving as fiscal sponsor. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded during two funding cycles in 2012. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: Deadline: May 3.
Opportunities for Youth, Young Adults, and Teachers
McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Announces 2012-13 Academic Year Grants and Scholarships. The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation partners with individuals to expand educational opportunities for America’s youth that inspire students by nurturing their curiosity about the world and their place in it. The foundation is accepting applications for the following programs:
Academic Enrichment Grants: provides funds for in-class and extracurricular programs that nurture the intellectual, artistic, and creative abilities of pre-2 grade students from low-income households. The foundation considers proposals for projects that aim to deepen students’ knowledge and provide opportunities to expand their awareness of the world around them. Educators who are employed by schools or nonprofit organizations (e.g., community centers, museums, etc.); have the background and experience to complete the project successfully; have direct and regular contact with students in grades pre-K to 12; work with students from low-income households; and are willing to work in collaboration with the foundation are eligible to apply. Awardees will receive grants in amounts of up to $10,000 per year, for a maximum of three years. To obtain additional information and an application, visit:
Deadline: April 15.
Teacher Development Grants: provides funding to individuals or small teams of teachers in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking collaborative K-12 classroom instruction. The grants provide opportunities for teachers to integrate fresh strategies that encourage critical inquiry and to observe their effects on students. Teachers have the opportunity to reflect and write about their projects, as well as to share their results with other teachers. Individuals who are licensed K-12 teachers employed in public or private schools, have the background and experience to complete the project successfully, and are willing to work in collaboration with the foundation are eligible to apply. Awardees will receive grants in amounts of up to $10,000 per year, for a maximum of three years. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: Deadline: April 15.
Student Teaching Scholarships: provides financial and one-on-one mentoring
support to educators who will be student teaching in their final year of a qualified teacher education program at New Mexico State University; the University of California, Santa Cruz; the University of Texas at Austin; and West Virginia University. Applicants must be a full-time students in good standing and in the final year of the teacher education program; specialize in elementary or secondary education; and willing to work with a trustee of the Foundation during the student teaching experience. Awardees will receive a one-year $6,000 scholarship. To obtain additional information and an application, visit:
Deadline: April 15.
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Invites Nominations for its Young Heroes Award. The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes is accepting applications for its 2012 Young Heroes Award. The award is designed to honor young people between the ages of 8 and 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Twenty five winners will receive $2,500 to support their service work or higher education. To obtain additional information and an applications, visit:
Deadline: April 30.
The Kids In Need Foundation Invites Applications for its Elmer's and Kids In Need Foundation Announce K-12 Teacher Grant Program. The Kids In Need Foundation, is accepting applications for its Teacher Toolkit Grant program. The program is designed to provide free school supplies to economically disadvantaged school children and underfunded teachers. K-12 teachers across the United States are eligible to apply for one of approximately two hundred and fifty Elmer's Teacher Tool Kit grants. Awards will range from $100 to $500. To obtain additional information and an application, visit:
Deadline: April 30.
ING Unsung Heroes Program Invites K-12 Educators to Apply for 2012 Class Project Awards. ING is accepting applications for its 2012 Class Project Awards program. The program is designed to recognize K-12 educators in the United States for their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects, and ability to positively influence the children they teach. Eligible K-12 education professionals must be employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the U.S. and be a full-time educator, teacher, principal, paraprofessional, or classified staff member working on a project with demonstrated effectiveness in improving student learning. One hundred awardees will receive $2,000 to help fund their innovative class projects. Three of the awardees will be chosen to receive an additional $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: Deadline: April 30.
Nordstrom, Inc. Invites Applications for its Scholarship Program. Nordstrom, Inc. is accepting applications for its 2012 Scholarship Program. The program is designed to recognize high school students across the country for their exceptional scholastic achievement and community involvement. Eighty high school students will be awarded $1,000 scholarships. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: Deadline: May 1.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation Invites Applications for Youth Literacy Grant Program. Dollar General Literacy Foundation is accepting applications for its Youth Literacy Grants program. The program is designed to provide funding to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations working to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. Eligible applicants must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, a K-12 private or public school, a college or university, or a public library. Grants of up to $3,000 will be awarded. To obtain additional information and an application, visit: