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Michigan Office for New Americans A Division of the

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Adult ESL for New Americans Request for Proposals

Posting Date: 10/17/16

Closing Date: 11/11/16

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Adult ESL for New Americans A Grant Program of the Michigan Office for New Americans

Request for Proposals

Application Deadline: Friday, November 11th, 2016

The Michigan Office for New Americans (MONA) announces the availability of grant funds to support the development of innovative and collaborative English as a Second Language (ESL) programming efforts in Michigan. MONA was established by Governor Rick Snyder in 2014 to help grow Michigan’s economy by retaining and attracting global talent to our state and promoting the skills, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit of our immigrant communities. MONA works with state agencies that provide services to immigrants; provides immigration-related information to the governor; and strives to create a more welcoming environment within the state. The office also helps coordinate existing services to immigrants and facilitates partnerships with non-profits, foundations and the private sector in the areas of licensing, workforce training, education, housing, healthcare and quality of life.

Background: The Adult ESL for New Americans grant initiative has been developed as a response to the requests of MONA’s many community partner organizations for additional support in the delivery of ESL programming for existing and newly-arriving immigrant communities across Michigan. The grant initiative also seeks to support collaborative work among nontraditional partners in the delivery of innovative ESL programming that is better able to meet the varied needs of Michigan’s diverse immigrant community.

Target Audience: New Americans with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), including Green Card holders, Refugees, Asylees, and Asylum Applicants. [NOTE: This program is not for temporary visitors or non-immigrants on temporary status in the U.S.]

Impact: The Adult ESL for New Americans grant initiative seeks to provide initial funding support to innovative and collaborative efforts to create ESL programming that results in both a marked improvement of English language proficiency among participants and the successful delivery of innovative research-based methodologies that improve access and participation among diverse communities of immigrants with Limited English Proficiency.

Program Focus Based on current best practices in the field of ESL delivery, the Adult ESL for New Americans grant initiative seeks to fund applications that focus on the creation of innovative delivery of ESL programming that improves outcomes for learners though one or more of the following components:

o Creative learning platforms;o Flexible, Self-paced learning;o Integrated ESL and skill-based learning;o Collaborative service delivery, creating innovative partnerships to improve service

delivery and participant outcomes;

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o TOEFL-track for individuals on a professional licensing or higher education pathway ORVocational ESL (VESL) curriculum offered;

o Access to ESL education for immigrants that may be illiterate in their native language;o Focus on providing ESL services to geographic areas with high concentration of

immigrants, who have been previously under-served by traditional ESL programming

Addressing Key Challenges: Many traditional ESL programs are delivered in a one-size-fits-all classroom-based learning approach, however current research bears out that many LEP individuals are not being effectively served by this model due to several key factors, which include but are not limited to:

o Lack of access to regular transportation to classeso Classes being offered primarily during traditional working hourso Lack of access to free or low-cost quality childcare during instruction timeso Lack of classes that target need area of Vocational English as a Second Language

(VESL) for otherwise work-ready LEP individualso Lack of free or low-cost ESL classes that prepare individuals for the TOEFL exam, which

is required for some professional licenses and most higher education institutions

MONA will not consider proposals that do not address one or more of the above challenges. Applications that seek to fund only existing ESL programming and do not include active collaborative partner organizations (include non-affiliated community-based organizations) will not be considered.

Selection Criteria MONA is offering immigrant-serving groups and nonprofit organizations in Michigan (including those not traditionally included in the provision of ESL programming) the opportunity to apply for grant funding. Proposals should be made by collaborations and not by individual organizations. Collaborations should be diverse in their organizational makeup but must partner with at least one 501(c)3 organization that is willing to serve as the group’s fiduciary for grant funds. In evaluating each application received before the closing date, funding decisions will be made based on the following criteria. Priority consideration will be given to programs that address the areas of program focus included above as well as meeting the following:

All applicant organizations will be active participants in the proposed collaborative.

Proposals must focus on the development of new and innovative delivery of ESL programming—applications that seek funding only for existing ESL programming will not be considered.

Programming that can be launched quickly and provide quantitative data on performanceof participating individuals within the short grant period—Those that cannot measuretheir proposed metrics within the grant period will not be considered.

For consideration by the Selection Committee, each application must include the following information:

Basic Selection Criteria for Grant Awards

o Proposals must reflect collaboration with smaller, community-based, non-affiliated ethnicorganizations. Only one application should be submitted for all participatingorganizations. Application must identify a lead organization to serve as fiduciary for thefull amount of the award. Fiduciary must be a 501(c)3 organization in good standing.

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o Must clearly identify innovative elements of proposed program, which address the abovementioned barriers. Please include any available references to external research, ifapplicable.

o Must provide proposed ESL curriculum (preference will be given to TOEFL-track orVESL programming).

o Must provide one proposed budget for entire grant request.[NOTE: Grant monies must not bespent on organizational overheads or administration costs outside of ESL staff salaries].

o Must detail methodology for program evaluation, providing quarterly reporting thatincludes data on pre-course, mid-course, and post-course language acquisition of allparticipants.

Additional Selection Criteria o Evening and weekend class times offered—preference will be given to those that

address additional barriers of transportation and childcare. o Applications must clearly indicate the geographic region it will cover, including the

proposed location of service delivery. Rationale for location should include anyavailable and relevant data on the population of immigrants to be served.

o Must identify minimum requirements for ESL instructors, if applicable. For programsutilizing classroom-based learning, preference will be given for instructors withTESOL Certification and/or native English speakers who are bilingual.

o Applications should address methodology for service provision to participants whoare illiterate in their native language, if applicable.

Amount of Funding Awarding of ESL for New Americans grants will be based on the total funds available. The maximum award will be $50,000 to support ESL activities. MONA reserves the right to accept or reject any proposals submitted and to negotiate with all qualified applicants.

Limitations on Funding MONA will not support the following activities:

Organizational overhead or administration costs, with the exception of ESL staff salaries

Projects that include religious instruction

Political parties or political action committees

Non Michigan-based organizations

Projects that directly benefit an individual

Loans

Capital campaigns and building projects

Capital goods

Proposed Grant Timeline

Application Deadline: November 11, 2016

Grantees Announced: Early December 2016

Program Launch: January 2017

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First Grant Report Due: May 2017

Second Grant Report Due: August 2017

Third Grant Report Due: November 2017

Grant Period Ends: December 31, 2017

Final Grant Report Due: January 2018

How to Apply

Applications must include: 1. Cover sheet (page 5) by email and postal mail, with original signatures.2. Narrative of 3-5 pages by email and postal mail (Narrative instructions are on page 6)3. Project Budget (page 7) by email and postal mail4. Attachments (as listed on page 6) by email and postal mail

Applications will NOT be considered by MONA if these requirements are not met.

Documents sent by email should be directed to Annie Fenton at fentona@michigan.gov. Applications sent by email must be received by 5:00pm on Friday, November 11, 2016.

Documents submitted by mail should be postmarked by Thursday, November 10 (Due to the holiday), 2016 and sent to Annie Fenton at:

Annie Fenton MONA Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 3026 W Grand Blvd, Ste 2-750 Detroit, MI 48202

Applicants may also choose to drop off their application, instead of mailing it, at the address above.

Review Process Each application will be reviewed for minimum qualifications by MONA staff and qualifying proposals will be considered for approval by a selection committee. All applicants will be notified by mail of decisions by early December. The grant period is a partial year, ending December 31, 2017.

For additional information, or if you have further questions, please contact Annie Fenton at fentona@michigan.gov or 313-498-8825. You can also find additional information about MONA at our website at www.michigan.gov/mona.

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Adult ESL for New Americans Grant Initiative

Cover Page

Date:

Names of Participating Partner Organizations:

Name of Fiduciary Organization:

Address:

Preferred Mailing Address (if different):

City/State/Zip:

Phone Number: Website:

Fax Number: Email:

Name of person submitting this application/primary contact person:

Fiduciary Organization’s Federal Employee Identification Number:

Purpose of grant (one sentence):

Targeted Ethnic Communities to be served:

Amount requested: Total Project Cost:

Geographic Service Area:

Signature of Fiduciary Applicant Title

Date

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Narrative:

Please provide the following information in this order. Use these headings, subheadings, and number provided in your own word processing format, thus leaving flexibility for length of response. The narrative should be a maximum of 3-5 pages.

A. Organization Information Please complete for all organizations within your collaborative 1. What is the purpose of the organization and what are the primary services?2. What affiliation, if any, does the organization have with religious groups (if none, state

“NONE”)

B. Project Information

Please address the listed selection criteria included below (also on pages 2-3 above), while

answering the following:

1. What program are you asking MONA to fund?2. Who will be served, including 1) total number served and 2) age range?3. Describe the target population and geographic area of service delivery and explain

your method for reaching that population.4. What need(s) will your project address?5. What will be accomplished?6. What is the timetable for the implementation of the project? Will the project continue

beyond 2017, if so, explain.7. How do you plan to publicize/promote your project?8. How will you evaluate the outcomes of your project?

Basic Selection Criteria for Grant Award o Must submit one collaborative application for all participating organizations. Application

must identify a lead organization to serve as fiduciary full amount of the award. Fiduciary must be a 501(c)3 organization in good standing.

o Must clearly identify innovative elements of proposed program, which address the abovementioned barriers. Please include any available references to external research, if applicable.

o Must provide proposed ESL curriculum (preference will be given to TOEFL-track or VESLprogramming).

o Must provide one proposed budget for entire grant request. [NOTE: Grant monies must not bespent on organizational overheads or administration costs outside of ESL staff salaries].

o Must detail methodology for program evaluation, providing quarterly reporting thatincludes data on pre-course, mid-course, and post-course language acquisition of allparticipants.

Additional Selection Criteria o Collaboration preferred with smaller, community-based, non-affiliated ethnic

organizationso Evening and weekend class times offered—preference will be given to those that

address additional barriers of transportation and childcare.

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o Applications must clearly indicate the geographic region it will cover, including theproposed location of service delivery. Rationale for location should include any availableand relevant data on the population of immigrants to be served.

o Must identify minimum requirements for ESL instructors, if applicable. For programsutilizing classroom-based learning, preference will be given for instructors with TESOLCertification and/or native English speakers who are bilingual.

o Applications should address methodology for service provision to participants whoare illiterate in their native language, if applicable.

C. Project Budget 1. If the total project budget is greater than the amount requested, from what sources

will the other necessary funds be obtained, and what funds have been raised todate?

2. What, if any, existing or match funds would be available to support this project?3. What, if any, financial resources will be available for the continuation of this project

after the grant from MONA has ended?

Attachments: 1. A signed letter of participation by EACH organization included in the collaborative

application.

Please provide the following for the fiduciary organization ONLY: 2. List of the organization’s governing body and officers3. A copy of the organization’s IRS nonprofit determination letter, if applicable4. A copy of the organization’s current operating budget5. A copy of the most recent annual report or promotional brochure (if available)6. A copy of an audited financial report or most recent IRS 990 Form (if available)

Also include any of the following information not already included in your narrative that you would like the selection committee to consider:

Proposed curriculum information, including any examples of successful delivery byother organizations.

Demographic information or key data relating to the targeted geographic location—including data on target immigrant communities to be served.

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Project Budget:

A. Organizational Fiscal Year:

B. Time period this budget covers:

C. Expenses: Fill in only those line items that are relevant to the project

Amount requested from this grant

Amount of existing or match funds

Total project expenses

Salaries

Fringe benefits

Curriculum/Technology Fees

Program Supplies

Evaluation

Other (please specify)

Total

D. Revenue: Please list all other sources of revenue/income for this project and whether the funds are already committed or pending.

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Innovative ESL Trends Nationwide: An Overview of Best Practices

Introduction

This overview of innovative ESL trends nationwide was prepared with the goal of providing

examples of best practices for investment in innovative ESL programs. A total of eleven

programs from six states were evaluated through semi-structured interviews and internet

research. Examples of innovative programs, focusing on vocational skills or incorporating

software, are detailed below. A program was considered strong if it had a higher retention rate,

showed language skill development through pre and post assessment, and provided innovative

methods for language acquisition.

Best Practices: Vocational and Software-based Programs

Hotel T.E.A.C.H.

Hotel T.E.A.C.H. is a curriculum developed by LaGuardia Community College with Sheraton

Manhattan Hotel in New York. The Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor

(President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative). The curriculum covers low intermediate ESL,

high intermediate ESL, and advanced ESL literacy. Its target audience is immigrants who are, or

plan to, work in a hotel. Each unit (8 total) in the curriculum develops different skills and has

several different sets of focus which are developed simultaneously. English language skills, soft

skills, and technology skills are further broken down into: major EFF (equipped for the future)

skills, hospitality industry skills, language focus, career counseling focus, and technology focus.

Each unit also has an audio component.

Cell-Ed

Cell-Ed is a New York program which offers ESL courses and Spanish literacy courses to

anyone with a phone with texting capabilities. The cost of the program is $50 per course, or $10

per micro-course. Besides fees, additional funding for the program comes from foundation grants

(i.e. Disney Foundation Grant) and ESOL funding from the state of New York. The program is

available 24/7 and tailored to the individual student. 75% completed the course, and students

leaped 2 years in 4 months in English capabilities. Courses offered are: English on the Go,

Literacy on the Go, and Citizenship on the Go. There are a minimum of 60 students in a cohort

each quarter. There is pre and post program assessment of the students.

The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians

The center offers services for students from preliterate to professional levels of English in

Pennsylvania. ESL is contextualized with each level focusing on work life and social skills. The

Welcoming Center acts as an umbrella for various other courses such as the RN Program, the

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Welcome Back Initiative, Professional Writing Course, and the Health Train Initiative. The

center used Title 1 and Title 2 funds to expand the program to ESL at every level and offer GED

programs. The RN program offered by the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians is free of

charge to foreign-trained nurses in Pennsylvania. The program provides individualized career

pathways, NCLEX test prep, TOELF test prep courses and workshops.

Metrics and Conclusion

Strong programs typically offered pre and post assessment of the ELL’s language skills. The

U.S. Department of Education’s Companion Learning Resources (CLR) suggests that ESL

programs provide rigorous instruction that move beyond simple life skills to teach critical

thinking & academic language listening and reading strategies; teach basic computer skills

alongside language instruction; and integrate basic skills with occupational skills to focus on

middle-skill jobs that do not require a 4-year degree. The CLR suggests that ESL programs work

with local businesses, and also provides more detailed instructions for ESL teachers. The

National Skills & Credential Institute highlights several programs described above and also

suggests that ESL programs be contextualized (for example, occupational skills taught alongside

language skills match jobs available in that region).

Sources

Cell-Ed http://www.cell-ed.com/faq/

Companion Learning Resources https://lincs.ed.gov/professional-development/resource-

collections/profile-908

Hotel T.E.A.C.H. Project Curriculum http://www.laguardia.edu/ciet/work_HT_Cur.html

Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians http://welcomingcenter.org/