ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   A State correctional agency, a local correctional agency, a State correctional education agency, or a local correctional educational agency may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Individuals incarcerated in adult correctional facilities will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation:   Legal signature by a designated official on the application is required. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

Pre-application Coordination:   This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program.

Application Procedure:   Applications must be prepared and submitted to the Department of Education in accordance with program announcements and established deadlines, which are published in the Federal Register.

Award Procedure:   Applications are reviewed in accordance with regulations at 34 Part 75. After negotiation a notification of award is sent to successful applicants.

Deadlines:   Notice of application deadlines are published in the Federal Register.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Approximately 120 to 150 days after deadline for transmitting applications.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   In the case of a multi-year project, funding after the first budget period is subject to availability of funds and the grantee meeting requirements of CFR 75.253.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   The total project period may not exceed three years. Renewals subject to the availability of funds.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Financial status and performance reports as required by the Department of Education General Administrative Regulations at 34 CFR 75.720 must be maintained. Specific reporting requirements are contained in the award document.

Audits:   Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's system of financial management and internal control to meet the terms and conditions of the grant.

Records:   In accordance with Section 443 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended by the Improving America's Schools Act, grantees must maintain records for 3 years.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   91-0400-0-1-501.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $5,000,000; FY 02 est $5,000,000; and FY 03 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Ten awards were made in fiscal year 2001. The average grant was $476,400.

The Delaware Life Skills Program consists of a 4-month Life Skills curriculum that serves up to 150 minimum and maximum-security inmates during each of two cycles annually. Over the course of the grants, 826 students enrolled in the program. Of those inmates, 85 percent graduated from the program. The program improved the odds of an inmate's successful reintegration into the community. Female participants in the life skills program, within 2 years after their release, recidivated at a rate of 15 percent as compared to a 50 percent recidivism rate for the comparison group.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Title 34 CFR Part 75; EDGAR, Parts 74, 76, 77, 79, 80, 82, 85, and, 86 apply.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:  
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED*

Web Site Address:   http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/OCE

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

In California, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department received funds to create a three-phase program that addresses basic education (GED or ESL), literacy skills, substance abuse issues, survival and reentry skills, parenting and family dynamics, interpersonal communication, anger management and reducing or eliminating patterns of destructive behavior. Also in California, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department received funds to increase educational offerings to incarcerated inmates and enhance support services available during and after the period of incarceration. The program works in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Regional Occupational Program and the Chaffey Adult School to provide vocational training and Diversified Occupations Training.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

The following criteria are used in reviewing applications. Each criterion should be addressed. Points are awarded to the extent that evidence in the application satisfies each criterion: (a) Program factors; (b) educational significance; (c) plan of operation; (d) evaluation plan; (e) demonstration and dissemination; (f) key personnel; (g) budget and costs-effectiveness; and (h) adequacy of resources and commitment.