The Homeless Office of the School Improvement and Professional Development Section of the Department of Education is announcing the Request for Proposals for grants of the Stewart B. McKinney Education for Homeless Children and Youth. Arkansas' 2000-2001 allocations for the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless fund is $289,208, of which $239,208 will be awarded to local educational agencies (LEAs) through competitive grants, based on the demonstration of need. The maximum amount to be awarded to a LEA will be $300 per pupil or $25,000, whichever is less. The duration of the grant award shall be for terms not to exceed three years. The grantees must apply annually as a new applicant, providing current data to support the need for funds. Fiscal and progress reports will be required during the project period.
The Improving America's Schools Act Amendments to Public Law 103-382, Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistant Act: Education for Homeless Children and Youth (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.) of 1990, as amended in Subtitle VII B, in Improving America's Schools Act (IASA) of 1994, states that the purpose of this program is "…to provide funds for direct services to ensure that all homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschool education, provided to other children and youth."
Included with this memorandum is the request for Stewart B. McKinney Education of Homeless Children and Youth Proposals, the grant applicant packet, Education for the Homeless Children and Youth Regulations, and reference and resource materials. Faxed copies of the application will not be accepted. The original and three copies of the application must be received at the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) on or before September 18, 2000 to: Susan Underwood, Homeless Coordinator; Arkansas Department of Education; #4 Capitol Mall, Room 302-B, Little Rock, AR 72201.
The ADE will be scheduling a Technical Assistance Workshop, date and time to be announced, on preparing applications for the Stewart B. McKinney Education of Homeless Children and Youth Grant that will be conducted via Videoconference/Direct Satellite. Additional information will be provided through a directors memo.
For questions or additional information, contact Susan Underwood, Homeless Coordinator at 501-682-4847 or sunderwood@arkedu.k12.ar.us.