Yes, the Department of Education wants your help—to judge applications in a $75 million grant program.
President Obama has set an education goal for the US: "By 2020 the United States will once again lead the world in the proportion of its citizens holding college degrees or other postsecondary credentials." To stir up innovative ideas about expanding college access, the Department of Education in May announced a $75 million award program, its “First in the World” program, to help low-income and underrepresented students succeed in college.
If you're a school of higher ed and want to apply take a look here. Many are working with partner organizations, including companies. Applications are due June 30.
If you’re not polishing up your proposal, the Dept. of Education would love your help in judging applications. Check out the details here and click “become a reviewer.”
A bit more background on the program: Proposals for this “First in the World” program should help under-represented, underprepared or low-income students:
- Get into and complete college;
- Transfer into four-year schools from community colleges;
- Enroll in and complete STEM programs;
- Complete their degrees in less time;
- Find more affordable ways to get a degree.
Grants are expected to range from $2 million to $4 million apiece (which means, of course, the government hopes to give out a couple of dozen).
Keep your eye on those deadlines--for both the program and for reviewing the applicants! All the details are here.
