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STEM Subcommittee of the Partnership for Continued Learning Requests Proposals for STEM Schools and K-8 STEM Programs of Excellence

Awards will fund public/private collaborations for K-12 students and teachers while strengthening Ohio's competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and STEM education fields

For Immediate Release | October 7, 2008

COLUMBUS – Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut today announced that the STEM Subcommittee of the Partnership for Continued Learning is requesting proposals from teams representing cities, villages, local or joint vocational school districts, colleges and universities, and business/industry partners seeking grants to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs in their communities. Two requests for proposals (RFPs) were issued today seeking bids to: 1) create public STEM schools or support previously funded STEM schools, and 2) establish K-8 STEM Programs of Excellence around the state. 

STEM Schools Awards

The primary purpose of the STEM Schools grant program is to create public schools in any of the grades 6 through 12 – as well as support previously funded STEM schools – to help generate a talent base, which establishes the state as a magnet and global leader in attracting, educating, and producing Ohio’s next generation of scientists, engineers, and other professionals. The formation of such schools is aligned with state goals to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in these economic development areas. Proposals must be submitted by collaborative teams detailed in the RFP. A total of $2.8 million is available under the program.  

K-8 STEM Programs of Excellence Awards

K-8 STEM Programs of Excellence grants will establish programs in grades kindergarten through 8, which: 1) offer a rigorous and diverse curriculum based on scientific inquiry and technological design, 2) emphasize personalized learning and teamwork skills, and 3) expose students to advanced mathematical and technical scientific concepts within and outside of the classroom. Proposed STEM Programs of Excellence must be delivered by collaborative teams detailed in the RFP. A total of $3.1 million is available under the program.

Timeline

Both the STEM Schools RFP and K-8 STEM Programs of Excellence RFP stipulate that Letters of Intent from interested parties must be emailed to kbernard@regents.state.oh.us on or by Oct. 17, 2008, to enter the bid process. Both RFPs require that all proposals be submitted by 4 p.m. November 14, 2008, in order to be considered for funding.

Both RFPs also will be discussed in a 2-5 p.m. October 14, 2008, “Bidders Conference” taking place at the Ohio Board of Regents headquarters in Columbus. Interested parties are invited to attend in person or by phone. The K-8 STEM Programs of Excellence RFP will be discussed at 2 p.m.; discussions on the STEM Schools RFP will begin at 3:30 p.m. The Bidders Conference provides a forum for discussing the opportunities contained in the two RFPs and offers interested parties the chance to ask questions about the RFP(s) and process. People may participate in part or all of the conference. 

More information, including the two RFPs and information on previously funded schools and programs, can be found on the Ohio Board of Regents Web site at www.regents.ohio.gov, as well as the Ohio Partnership for Continued Learning’s Web site at www.pcl.ohio.gov under STEM Subcommittee.

FY 2009 STEM Schools and K-8 STEM Programs of Excellence Timelines

The STEM Subcommittee of the Partnership for Continued Learning was established in HB 119 section 3326.01. The Subcommittee consists of the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents (chair), the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Lieutenant Governor and four members of the public. The Speaker of the House and the Senate President each appoint one public member and the Governor appoints the remaining two members. The STEM Subcommittee legislation can be found at http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText127/127_HB_119_EN_N.html.

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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