20 Highest-Rated Investing in Innovation Applications Announced

The U.S. Department of Education has announced the 20 highest-rated applicants in the 2012 Investing in Innovation (i3) competition. The 20 potential grantees announced today must secure match funds by December 7, 2012 in order to receive a share of the $140 million available for this year’s i3 program.

Focused on improving student achievement, this year’s Investing in Innovation program aims to fund programs and strategies that support effective teachers, promote STEM (science, technology, math and engineering) education, implement high academic standards and increase parent and family engagement strategies.  Of the 20 potential grantees announced today, eight are “Validation Grant” applicants and have the opportunity to receive up to $15 million to fund innovations that have moderate levels of evidence of effectiveness. Match funds are required to meet 10% of the federal award. The remaining 12 potential grantees are “Development Grant” applicants and have an opportunity to receive up to $3 million to fund promising, yet untested, strategies. Match funds are required to meet 15% of the federal award. This year’s Development Grant competition required grantees to submit pre-applications in an effort to reduce the burden for applicants. A total of 124 pre-applications were received.

For more information about the Investing in Innovation (i3) program, including a list of the 20 potential grantees, please click here.