Literacy Programs for Prisoners (84.255)
Program
84.255 Literacy Programs for Prisoners
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS (OSDFS), DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Authorization
National Literacy Act of 1991, Section 601.
Program Number
84.255
Last Known Status
Deleted 02/14/2008 (This program is no longer funded nor are there any awards being made.)
Objectives
To assist persons incarcerated in a prison, jail, or detention center to achieve functional literacy. To reduce prisoner recidivism through the development and improvement of life skills necessary for reintegration into society.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds can be used to provide grants to State and/or local correctional agencies or correctional educational agencies to: (1) Establish programs that will assist incarcerated adults achieve functional literacy; or (2) assist in the development and operation of programs designed to reduce prisoner recidivism through the development and improvement of life skills necessary for reintegration into society.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
A State correctional agency, a local correctional agency, a State correctional education agency, or a local correctional educational agency may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals incarcerated in adult correctional facilities will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
Legal signature by a designated official on the application is required. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
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. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program.
Application Procedure
Applications must be prepared and submitted to the Department of Education in accordance with program announcements and established deadlines, which are published in the Federal Register.
Award Procedure
Applications are reviewed in accordance with regulations at 34 Part 75. After negotiation a notification of award is sent to successful applicants.
Deadlines
Notice of application deadlines are published in the Federal Register.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
In the case of a multi-year project, funding after the first budget period is subject to availability of funds and the grantee meeting requirements of CFR 75.253.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The total project period may not exceed three years. Renewals subject to the availability of funds.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Financial status and performance reports as required by the Department of Education General Administrative Regulations at 34 CFR 75.720 must be maintained. Specific reporting requirements are contained in the award document.
Audits
Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's system of financial management and internal control to meet the terms and conditions of the grant.
Records
In accordance with Section 443 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended by the Improving America's Schools Act, grantees must maintain records for 3 years.
Program Accomplishments
Ten awards were made in fiscal year 2002.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0400-0-1-501.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $5,000,000; FY 03 est $4,968,000; and FY 04 est $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The average grant was $472,500.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Title 34 CFR Part 75; EDGAR, Parts 74, 76, 77, 79, 80, 82, 85, and, 86 apply.
Related Programs
84.002, Adult Education_State Grant Program; 84.048, Vocational Education_Basic Grants to States.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
U.S. Department of Education, OSDFS 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Rm. 4529, MES Washington, DC 20202-7242 Contact: John Linton E-mail Address john.linton@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 260-7007.
Web Site Address
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSDFS/lifeskills.html
Examples of Funded Projects
In California, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department received funds to create a three-phase program that addresses basic education (GED or ESL), literacy skills, substance abuse issues, survival and reentry skills, parenting and family dynamics, interpersonal communication, anger management and reducing or eliminating patterns of destructive behavior. Also in California, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department received funds to increase educational offerings to incarcerated inmates and enhance support services available during and after the period of incarceration. The program works in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Regional Occupational Program and the Chaffey Adult School to provide vocational training and Diversified Occupations Training.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The following criteria are used in reviewing applications. Each criterion should be addressed. Points are awarded to the extent that evidence in the application satisfies each criterion: (a) Program factors; (b) educational significance; (c) plan of operation; (d) evaluation plan; (e) demonstration and dissemination; (f) key personnel; (g) budget and costs-effectiveness; and (h) adequacy of resources and commitment.
