New School Turnaround AmeriCorps Program Announced

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announced a new AmeriCorps program aimed at supporting school turnaround efforts across the country. The School Turnaround AmeriCorps program will involve a competitive grant process aimed at placing an estimated 650 AmeriCorps members annually for three years in approximately 60 schools that are participating in the federal School Improvement Grant program. ED and CNCS will together provide approximately $15 million over the course of the program with the hope of attracting additional private investment.

Applicants are encouraged to focus on efforts in areas such as improving family engagement, improving school safety and attendance, and increasing graduation rates. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, districts, institutions of higher education, cities and counties, Indian Tribes, as well as partnerships of these bodies. 

Applicants must submit a notice of intent to apply to CNCS by April 2, 2013, and applications are due April 23, 2013. Grants are expected to be awarded by mid-July.

For more information about this funding opportunity, including links to the notice of funds availability and application instructions, please visit ED's website here.