Stronger Connections Grant Program
What is the Stronger Connections Grant Program?
The Stronger Connections Grant (SCG) is a new federally-funded program authorized under Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended, to provide students with safer and healthier learning environments.
Florida was awarded $53,737,824.00, and these funds must be provided to high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) through a competitive process to fund activities authorized under Section 4108 of ESEA.
High-need LEA
Florida defined a high-need LEA as one with a high percentage, 40% or higher, of students identified as economically disadvantaged AND high rates of chronic absenteeism, 20% or higher, within two subgroups, Students with Disabilities (SWDs) and English Language Learners (ELLs).
Stronger Connections Competition
Using Florida’s definition of a high-need LEA for SCG, 72 LEAs are eligible to apply, and it is anticipated approximately 55-60 grants will be awarded.
The scored application sections are:
- Stakeholder Engagement- 15 points
- Needs Assessment – 10 points
- Program Implementation – 35 points
- Evidence-based Programs – 15 points
- Program Evaluation – 15 points
- Budget – 5 points
- Sustainability – 5 points
There are four unscored, required components of the application – an abstract, a General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) statement, explanation of how the LEA will address FDOE’s Strategic Imperatives, and a plan for providing consultation for equitable services.
Applications will be reviewed by a team using a rubric and assigned points. Only applications scoring a 70 or higher will be considered eligible for funding.
The Stronger Connections Grant (SCG) RFP and additional documents were emailed to eligible LEAs during the week of September 18, 2023. The SCG webinar has been rescheduled for Friday, September 29, 2023, at 10 a.m. and updated webinar access information will be provided to all eligible LEAs. In the interim, questions may be directed to the Title IV Part A email.
The SCG is being administered by the Bureau of Family and Community Outreach. Please contact Andria Cole for assistance.
We appreciate any feedback regarding Florida’s competition for the SCG.
Comments must be submitted to the Bureau of Federal Educational Programs Title IV, Part A program at T4A@fldoe.org no later than May 5, 2023.
Stronger Connections Resources
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – Stronger Connections Grant Program