DOE taking applications for family literacy grants

From Staff Reports

   The Tennessee Department of Education is accepting applications for federal grants to develop Even Start Family Literacy programs.
   Four-year grants in the range of $75,000 to $225,000 for each year will be awarded on a competitive basis. Eligible applicants are partnerships made up of a local education agency and a non-profit community-based organization, a public agency other than a local education agency, an institution of higher education, or a public or private non-profit organization of demonstrated quality.
   "For example, a county or city school board might partner with the county or city police department to secure funds. Also, a county ministerial alliance or educational cooperative can apply," said Becky Goldstein, of the Department of Education.
   Continuing eligibility for federal assistance in the second, third and fourth years of each four-year cycle is dependent upon availability of funds and proven progress. The contract period for selected grantees will be July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. An annually increasing local match, cash or in-kind, is required. State, local and other federal funds can be used for the match.
   New and existing Even Start programs must complete the Even Start Family Literacy Program Grant Application 2003-2004 Request for Funding or Request for Continuing Funding, as appropriate, available on the Tennessee Department of Education Web site at http://www.state.tn.us/education/sp/
   For more information, contact Tabatha Siddiqi, Office of Family Literacy Programs, at (615) 532-6310.