Women's Educational Equity Act Program (84.083)

 

Program

84.083 Women's Educational Equity Act Program

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended, Title V, Part D, Subpart 21. 20 U.S.C. 7231-7238.

 

Program Number

84.083

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

(1) To promote gender equity in education in the United States; (2) to promote equity in education for women and girls who suffer from multiple forms of discrimination based on sex, race, ethnic origin, limited-English proficiency, disability, or age; and (3) to provide financial assistance to enable educational agencies and institutions to meet the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants (Contracts).

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

The Department awards two types of grants: (1) Implementation grants of gender equity programs in schools, and (2) research and development grants to develop model equity programs. This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 76.564-76.569. For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on 202-708-7770.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Through a nationwide competition, public agencies, private nonprofit agencies, institutions, organizations, student groups community groups, and individuals may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Public agencies, private nonprofit agencies, institutions, organizations, student groups, community groups, and individuals will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments and OMB Circular No. A-110 for nonprofits.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. 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 selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

The Department publishes grant application forms and instructions in the Federal Register. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure

Applications and proposals are reviewed by a panel of experts in women's programs that represent various geographical areas, racial and ethnic groups, and levels of education. Final decisions on grants are made by the Secretary on the basis of the selection criteria published in the regulations and statutory considerations, and to the extent feasible, on the basis of geographical distributions. The secretary may give special consideration to applications submitted by applicants that have not received assistance under this part.

Deadlines

Established for grants each year by notice published in the Federal Register. Established for contracts in solicitation announcements in the Commerce Business Daily.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

None.

Renewals

The project period for a WEEA award may not exceed four years. To receive continuation funding, grantees must demonstrate substantial progress toward meeting their goals and objectives. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Up to four years, subject to the availability of funds.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

As part of the continuation funding process, grantees must submit annual performance reports. The program office will establish a due date. A final performance report must also be submitted.

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 expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a 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

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

In fiscal year 2002, the Department made 16 implementation grants.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-1000-0-1-501.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $3,000,000; FY 03 est $2,980,000; and FY 04 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

For fiscal year 2002 implementation grants, the average grant was $124,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Educational Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86.

 

Related Programs

None.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

U.S. Department of Education, OII Improvement Programs, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Diane Austin E-mail Address diane.austin@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 260-1280.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OII/portfolio/equity.html

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Projects are designed to increase educational opportunities for women and girls in academic areas such as math, science, and computer science courses.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The selection criteria are outlined in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations. Contact the program office for more information.