Network News – April 2, 2010

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California Afterschool Network Funding Update

In this issue:

School Improvement Grants for QEIA Schools Now Available
During the past year, there has been increased conversation on how best to turn around persistently low-performing schools. One funding source for supporting effective strategies to increase student performance is the School Improvement Grants (SIG). California will have two opportunities for select schools to apply for SIG funds. The first application is due by April 15th and is available to a set of eligible Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) Schools. This first group of SIG grants operates under a longer-standing set of school improvement strategies and is sometimes referred to as the "old SIG" program. The RFA and the list of eligible schools are available on the CDE website. There will also be another set of SIG funds to apply for, and we will send out that information as soon as it becomes available.

Utilizing SIG funds for QEIA Schools for Summer Learning Programs
Currently available SIG funds for QEIA schools could be an ideal source for funding a summer program, including summer programs connected to or managed by the school’s afterschool program. These funds present an opportunity to support the development of a new approach to summer in California that builds off of our state’s afterschool success and blends academics and enrichment. To view new materials including background information, research, potential program models, and potential budget models, and a step-by-step process that may assist you in applying for these funds, as well as a link to the Request for Applications click here.


Support for Before/After School Running Programs
The ING Run For Something Better School Awards Program, in partnership with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, seeks to increase physical activity in students and help fight childhood obesity nationwide through the creation of school-based running programs. The awards program will provide at least fifty $2,000 grants to schools that want to establish a running program, or expand an existing program, that targets grades 4 through 8 in public elementary or middle schools. Schools should design a before, during, and/or after-school program which will be offered to all students in the eligible grades. The program must have a commitment of at least 25 students in order to apply. The application deadline is April 15, 2010. For more information and to apply, click here


Afterschool Alliance and MetLife Middle School Innovator Awards
The Afterschool Alliance and MetLife Foundation are partnering to develop and disseminate a series of Issue Briefs that address topics related to middle school youth and afterschool programs. Recipients of the MetLife Afterschool Innovator Award will be highlighted in one of the Afterschool Alliance Issue Briefs. Awardees will be recognized in the related Issue Brief and in the final compendium. Awards will be given out by the Afterschool Alliance in conjunction with the 2010 Lights On Afterschool and each recipient will receive an award of $5,000 to be used to continue or improve upon the highlighted program. Nominations must be received by April 23, 2010. For more information and to nominate a middle school program, click here.


Target Early Childhood Reading Grants
Non profit organizations, charitable organizations, schools, libraries, and public agencies are eligible to apply for Target early childhood reading grants. These grants support programs such as after school reading events and weekend book clubs for children up to third grade to read together with their families. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2010. For more information and to apply, click here.


Target Arts Grants
Non profit organizations, charitable organizations, schools, libraries, and public agencies are eligible to apply for Target arts grants. These grants support schools and non profits that bring arts and cultural experiences to K-12 students with a curriculum component. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2010. For more information and to apply click here.


Webinar – How to Provide Free Summer Meals to Kids in California 

Participants in this webinar will learn how to become a summer food sponsor or site, how to access free materials and resources to simplify summer food program management, as well as how to join the Summer Meal Mentoring Network. School districts, food banks, summer programs, YMCAs, Boys and Girls clubs, recreation departments, county health and social services departments, food service providers, and policymakers are encouraged to join this meeting. This webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 from 10:00a.m. – 11:30a.m. Participation is free, but registration is required. See the following links to view the webinar agenda and register today!