Student Retention Programs

Posted by on April 02, 2012

AT&T Aspire Local High School Impact Initiative Offers Funding for Student Retention Programs
Deadline: April 18, 2012 (Pre-Qualification Survey)

AT&T Aspire, a $100 million philanthropic program created by AT&T to help strengthen student success and workforce readiness, is offering funding through the Local High School Impact Initiative to high school success and college and career readiness programs that are helping to reduce dropout rates in their communities.

The 2012 Local Impact Request for Proposals features an increased focus on metrics, with a preference for programs showing results for those served vs. peer groups, as well as a stronger emphasis on underserved populations. AT&T is most interested in funding local programs that have strong evidence-based practices grounded in the “What Works Clearinghouse Dropout Prevention: A Practice Guide” and data-driven outcomes.

AT&T will give special consideration to organizations that incorporate social innovation in their programs. Organizations might use new concepts, ideas, and strategies to achieve success for students who are at risk of dropping out of school; collaborate with school districts, foundations, nonprofits, government entities, and/or businesses to maximize positive impact on students’ success; or employ technological innovations to support student success. AT&T will give additional consideration to organizations that focus on the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines in their programs for students who are at risk of dropping out of school.

The 2012 Local Impact RFP will provide project support for currently operating high school retention programs. The support should be used to expand the program to serve additional students, or to add components to strengthen the program. Project support is intended for organizations that are ready and capable of operating by the first semester of the 2012/13 school year.

Funding ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 over two years (2012-14) is available.

The program encourages the following types of entities to respond to the pre-qualification survey: school districts, campuses, and school district foundations with 501(c)(3) public charity status; charter school foundations and private school foundations with 501(c)(3) public charity status; 501(c)(3) public charities that work on-site with public and private education institutions; and 501(c)(3) public charities that work with public and private education institutions on a project basis. Private foundations without 501(c)(3) status are not eligible.

All prospective applicants are required to complete a pre-qualification survey as part of the RFP process. Based on an evaluation of the pre-qualification response, prospective applicants will be asked to submit a full length RFP response to AT&T using an online, invitation-only application process.

Visit the AT&T Web site for program information, the complete RFP, and the pre-qualification survey.

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=2631#tab5