Dropout Prevention Programs (84.360)

 

Program

84.360 Dropout Prevention Programs

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL AND ADULT EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title I, Part H; Public Law 107-110.

 

Program Number

84.360

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To support effective, sustainable and coordinated dropout prevention and reentry programs in high schools with annual dropout rates that exceed their state average annual dropout rate. Middle schools which have students who continue on to these high schools are also supported.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants (Discretionary).

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Grant recipients must implement proven strategies for reducing the number of students who drop out before completing secondary school and for assisting youth to reenter school after they have dropped out. These strategies may include: 1 identify students at risk of dropping out; 2. providing at-risk students with services designed to prevent them from dropping out; 3. identifying and encouraging youth who already have dropped out to reenter school; and 4. implementing other comprehensive approaches, such as breaking large schools into smaller learning communities. Specifically authorized activities include: professional development; reduction in pupil-teacher ratios; counseling and mentoring for at-risk students; and implementing comprehensive school reform models.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

State educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) serving communities with dropout rates above the State's average annual dropout rate will be eligible to apply for funding.

Beneficiary Eligibility

School administrators, teachers, students, and parents are beneficiaries.

Credentials/Documentation

Information to support annual dropout rate calculations.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

None. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372. "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

Applications must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the notice published in the Federal Register. By the due date, eligible applicants must submit to the U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, a complete application that addresses the purposes of the program, the selection criteria, and includes all required assurances and signatures. Required assurances and certifications include: Group Application Certification (if applicable); Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF 422B); Certification regarding Lobbying, Debarment; Suspension and Other Responsibility Matter, and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (ED Form 80- 0013); Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL) (if applicable); Response to Notice to All Applicants (Section 427, GEPA). Applications should also include a Cover Page (SF424); the required Budget Form (ED Form 524); an itemized budget and other budget information; proof of eligibility; a project abstract; and a program narrative that includes responses to the selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to submit (1) one original and (2) copies of their application.

Award Procedure

The Department of Education notifies successful applicants of awards. Actual negotiations and awarding of grants is done by the Department's Grants and Contracts Service, in cooperation with the program staff. Contact the program office for more information.

Deadlines

Deadlines are published in the Federal Register.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Continuation funding is dependent upon future program appropriations, and demonstrated substantial progress toward meeting their goals and objectives.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Grants are awarded for a period of not more than 3 years. Continuation awards are dependent on the availability of funding.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Grantees must submit performance reports annually. The program office will establish a due date. Final performance reports must be submitted within 90 days after the end of the grant award period.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

Records must be maintained for three years after the fiscal year in which the expenditure was made by the grantee, or until the grantee is notified of the completion of the Federal fiscal audit. In all cases of audit questions, records must be maintained until resolution has occurred.

 

Program Accomplishments

Approximately 23 grants are expected to be made with fiscal year 2002 funds.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0900-0-1-501.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $10,000,000; FY 03 est $10,929,000; and FY 04 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

In 2002, the average award is $420,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. For further guidance and other information, contact the program office.

 

Related Programs

None.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

U.S. Department of Education, OVAE 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Rm. 3C147, FB-6 Washington, DC 20202-6100 Contact: Christine Jackson E-mail Address christine.jackson@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 260-2516 .

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/HS/dropout.html

 

Examples of Funded Projects

This is a new program. No examples are available.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Selection criteria are contained in the program guidelines. Contact the program office for more information.