The U.S. Department of Education recently released a Request for Proposals for the Title III: Strengthening Institutions Program. The grant helps Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) gain self-sufficiency and expand their capacity to service low-income students, with a focus on retention and graduation. Applications are due April 17th, 2017.
Unlike past rounds, only 15 or so Title III grants will be awarded this round. Additionally, the Department of Education is conducting two separate competitions for the grant: (1) CFDA 84.031A does not include any priorities and awards 8-9 grants of up to $450,000/year, (2) CFDA 84.103F requires applicants to show that their programs are supported by Moderate Evidence of Effectiveness and awards 6-7 grants of up to $600,000/year.
Both competitions require evaluation. The evaluation sections are worth 15 (A) and 20 (F) points, with 15 additional points awarded for each competition for high-quality objectives. The F version requires that the evaluation design meets What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards without Reservations. This level of rigor requires extensive expertise. Via Evaluation staff has the What Works Clearinghouse Group Design Standards Training Certificate.
Via Evaluation has evaluated multiple Title III and related grants, and can help your IHE integrate evaluative thinking into your grant application.
Want to know more? Call us at (716) 362-0627 or email us at info@viaeval.com.
