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Chancellor Fingerhut Requests Proposals for Summer 2009 Regents STEM and Foreign Language Academies Grant Program
Public/private collaborations to provide high school students with early college credit while strengthening Ohio’s competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), STEM education, and foreign languages
For Immediate Release – October 2, 2008
COLUMBUS – Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut today announced that the Ohio Board of Regents is requesting proposals from teams of University System of Ohio institutions and partners from industry, private colleges and universities, and K-12 schools and districts interested in designing and hosting Summer 2009 Regents STEM and Foreign Language Academies for Ohio junior and senior high school students.
The Academies are dual enrollment opportunities, which enable qualified high school students to get an early jump on college and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Courses are focused on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and/or foreign language education, and are aligned with state goals to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in these academic areas.
"The Regents STEM and Foreign Language Academies give high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to earn free college credit in focused areas directly tied to Ohio's economic advancement," said Chancellor Fingerhut. "We're getting more students into college, increasing teacher capacity in STEM and foreign languages, and aligning the Governor's and General Assembly's support with the goals of Ohio's 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education."
The Academies are based on a competitive, two-step review process that solicits proposals from college and university partnerships and encourages collaboration between K-12 and higher education. Selected proposals are expected to demonstrate excellence in engaging student learners through a strategic investment of funds.
The grant program was created in response to House Bill 115 of the 126th General Assembly, which supports the implementation of the Ohio Core through initiatives designed to increase teacher capacity in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and foreign language. Additionally, the measure provides opportunities for more high school students, particularly those who currently may not aspire to attend college or to study careers in the STEM fields, to engage in advanced learning opportunities for college and high school credit in these disciplines.
A total of $1.9 million is available under this grant program. Up to eight proposals will be funded. The maximum grant for each team is $300,000, though not all the proposals will be funded at that level. Funded academies for FY 09 will include, at a minimum, one or two foreign language academies and at least one engineering academy that programmatically or conceptually connects with Project Lead the Way. FY 07 and FY 08 academies are eligible for funding, but must demonstrate how the FY 09 funds will build on the foundation developed through the previous experience.
Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 3, 2008. An information meeting to discuss the RFP and its key points will be held at the Board of Regents Columbus headquarters Oct. 7, 2008. Interested parties may also participate by phone or video conference.
More details, including the FY 2009 RFP and background information on FY 2007 and 2008 Academies programs are posted on the Board of Regents Web site at http://regents.ohio.gov/stem/index.php.
FY 2009 Regents STEM and Foreign Language Academies Timeline
Date |
Event |
| October 1 | Request for Proposals Issued |
| October 7 | Information Meeting – Review of RFP, legislation and key points 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Board of Regents Offices Conference call is available by calling 216-787-0997. Space is limited on the conference call. Video conference available by request. |
| November 3 | Proposals Due and Immediate Dissemination to Review Panel by 5 p.m. |
| November 10 | Initial Review |
| November 24–25 | Oral Presentations |
| December 2008 | Recommendation to Chancellor and Chancellor’s Decision |
| January 2009 | Individual Project Meetings, Budget Review and Clarification |
Contact: Michael Chaney, Chief Communications Officer, Ohio Board of Regents
Office: 614-752-9480 Cell: 614-633-5909
Email: mchaney@regents.state.oh.us
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