Funds are available through the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program for the purpose of providing summer enrichment programs to children who qualify under ABC guidelines, as established in the ABC rules and regulations. As required by ACT 1132 of 1997, grantees receiving funding through ABC must document a local match of 40% of the total program cost.
Funds currently available are to be considered one-time funds and will not be available beyond the summer of 1999. These funds are designed to provide a pre-kindergarten socialization and educational experience for 4-6 weeks for children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall. Programs are to be provided in a public school setting. ABC summer programs should reflect coordination with the educational strategies and principles on which the Smart Start initiative is based. Educational programming in summer ABC programs should allow for a smooth transition into public school kindergartens in the fall. Priority for funding will be given to areas in which ABC programs have not been available during the regular school year.
Proposals must be received in the Division office by 4:30 PM, Friday, March 12, 1999. Faxed copies will not be accepted. Proposals postmarked on the 12th will be accepted.
Recommendations for funding will be presented to the Arkansas State Board of Education at their April meeting. Notification to grantees will follow.
NOTE: Attachments to this memo will be mailed in the next bulk mailing.