Learn and Serve K-12 School Based Grants

Posted by on October 26, 2009

Availability of Learn and Serve K–12 School-Based federal grant funding for Fiscal Year 2009-2010

The Department of Education is pleased to announce the availability of the Learn and Serve K–12 School-Based federal grant funding for the Fiscal Year 2009-2010. Applications will be due no later than 4 p.m. on November 13, 2009 at the Department of Education.

Learn and Serve America: K–12 School-Based Program is a component of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993.  It provides federal funds through the Pennsylvania Department of Education to public schools for the development and/or expansion of local service learning programs.

Service learning is a method in which students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in, and meets the needs of, the community.  Service learning is coordinated with an elementary or secondary school and with the community; helps foster civic responsibility; is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students and provides structured time for the students to reflect on their service experience.

Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are public education agencies, including charter schools, authorized through Act 22.  Non-profit agencies, private or parochial schools, institutions of higher education and private businesses and community-based organizations (CBO’s) may serve as sub-grantees of the Department of Education to operate programs.  CBO’s are encouraged to partner with local community-based organizations  to help students identify and address their local needs and must engage as partners with a public school, their teachers, students and administrators to participate in service learning.

Grant Award Selection and Notification: The Department has developed a competitive application and peer review process that ensures that awards are made through an open and fair grant award process.  Notice of funding availability will be disseminated through the Pennsylvania Department of Education website; direct notification of all local educational agencies will be provided through Penn*LINK.

Application Information: Detailed information outlining grant terms and conditions, pertinent regulations and the application process is contained in the Learn and Serve Request-for-Application (RFA) Fiscal Years: 2009-2010 document, which may be secured by these methods:
•       Online at PDE’s website: http://www.pde.state.pa.us/servicelearning
•       Email Request: Susan D’Annunzio, K–12 Learn and Serve America Coordinator at SDannunzio@state.pa.us or Garry W. Hutchison, K-12 Learn and Serve
America Program Officer at GHutchison@state.pa.us.
•       Telephone questions will be accepted at (717)-346-3251 or TTY: (717)-783-8445.

Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2009, at the Bureau of Community and Student Services, Division of Student Services and Migrant Education, 333 Market Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA  17126-0333. Applications submitted after that time will be ineligible for consideration, as will be faxed or emailed applications.  Mail original and three copies of application to:

Arletha Harris
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Division of Student Services and Migrant Education
333 Market Street, 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333