The U.S. Department of Education’s Charter Schools Program (CSP) has announced the 2014 CSP Grants Competition for Replication and Expansion. This program is designed to replicate or expand high-quality charter schools with demonstrated records of success. CSP seeks to increase national understanding of the charter school model in two ways:
- To expand the number of high-quality charter schools available to students across the nation by providing financial assistance to initially plan, design and implement new schools.
- To evaluate the effects of charter schools on students, student academic achievement, school staff and parents.
Funds awarded in 2012 provided a high-quality charter school education for 20,000+ students across 19 states and the District of Columbia, serving populations with 85% or more students qualifying for free and reduced lunch. Selected applicants had proven records of success in increasing student academic achievement, closing achievement gaps, and achieving results for low-income and other educationally disadvantaged students.
Below are some key facts about the grant program:
- Eligible applicants must be non-profit charter management organizations or other not for-profit entities that have experience operating more than one high-quality charter school and have succeeded in increasing student academic achievement.
- Eligible applicants may also apply as a group or consortium.
- Eligible applicants may use CSP funds to open one or more new charter schools based on replicating existing charter school programs that are achieving positive student academic results; or funding can be used to substantially expand the capacity of a school to fill student slots in one or more existing charter schools with demonstrated evidence of success.
- Grant awards range from $500,000 to $3 million per year for up to 5 years.
- The grant application is due July 21, 2014.
Are you ready to move forward with a federal grant application to expand your program? Contact Transform Consulting Group today for a free consultation to discuss your organization’s goals and needs.