KickStarter Program for Hispanic Serving Community Colleges

Improving recruitment and retention of Hispanic students at HSCCs in STEM-related fields by enhancing HSCC participation and competitiveness in NSF-funded initiatives.

Call for ApplicationsEmail Intent to participate (required):

Due by 5 p.m. ESTMarch 6, 2015

Full Application Due Date:Due by 5 p.m. EST

March 20, 2015

www.sfaz.org

Terms of Reference While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of this document, it is provided for information purposes only and as a guide to expected developments. It is not intended, and should not be relied upon, as any form of warranty, representation, undertaking, contractual, or other commitment binding in law upon Science Foundation Arizona (SFAZ). SFAZ Terms and Conditions shall govern the administration of SFAZ grants and awards to the exclusion of this and any other oral, written, or recorded statement.

KickStarter Program for Hispanic Serving Community Colleges

Improving recruitment and retention of Hispanic students at HSCCs in STEM-related fields by enhancing HSCC participation and competitiveness in NSF-funded

initiatives.

INTRODUCTION

Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) is issuing this Call for Applications to Hispanic Serving Community Colleges (HSCCs) from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida to participate in an intensive, comprehensive technical assistance program designed to prepare and position them to compete successfully for federal funds focused on student recruitment and retention in STEM fields.

The HSCC KickStarter Program is a technical assistance program, led by SFAz, introducing the STEM Pathways Model and Resource Guide (http://stem.sfaz.org/?stempathways) to assist community colleges in their strategies to increase recruitment and retention of students in technical career pathway programs to meet local workforce needs. The SFAz STEM Pathways Model is a strategic framework that provides community colleges with an easy-to-use roadmap for researching, planning and implementing STEM Pathway programs. STEM Pathways offer students multiple opportunities to explore, prepare for and pursue STEM degrees and careers, expanding the notion that the only pathway to success is through a four-year university.

This program is made possible with support from National Science Foundation (NSF).

About Science Foundation Arizona

Science Foundation Arizona (SFAZ) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization initiated in 2006 by Arizona’s leading industry groups in conjunction with the executive and legislative branches of state government. Science Foundation Arizona serves as a catalyst for knowledge-based jobs and economic diversity through oversight of research, development and education grants to public education and other non-profit research performing institutions. For more information, visit www.sfaz.org.

Letter of Intent required by 5pm (EST) on March 6, 2015. Full Applications are due at 5pm (EST) March 20, 2015 2

PROGRAM PLAN

Goal:

SFAz’s objectives are to address the needs of each participating HSCC in a customized fashion, involving the HSCC’s administration, faculty and staff, and community partners: feeder schools, regional universities, workforce employers, researchers, and other investigators who have been previously funded in similar studies. SFAz’s Technical Assistance Team will assist HSCCs to utilize the STEM Pathways Model and Resource Guide to develop their pathways strategies, identify areas in their pathways plan that need attention, and prioritize the programs that are most ready for funding. With a prioritized set of programs needing funds, the SFAz Technical Assistance Team will assist HSCCs in developing proposals to federal agencies whose funding objectives can be met by these programs. Proposal requests for funding to support the priorities of a strategic STEM Pathways plan will demonstrate a quality investment for the funder and compete more favorably with the review panels.

Outcomes:

As a result of successful selection and participation in the HSCC KickStarter program, participating HSCCs will:

1. Submit a minimum of two proposals to NSF or other appropriate Federal agency during the 3-year program period, with a goal that at least one proposal is funded;

2. Improve their STEM Pathway strategies and capacity to identify, collect, access and analyze information, thereby improving the HSCC’s ability to provide evidence of effectiveness in future proposals;

3. Establish key partnerships that help increase the potential for more Hispanic students in the STEM Pathways pipeline; and

4. Develop and implement their funded projects, conceive new projects, and find new partners to further expand their STEM-based initiatives.

Approach:

The HSCC KickStarter program is a multi-layered process in which SFAz’s Technical Assistance Team members, including KickStarter Field Service Representatives (FSRs) and Proposal Development Leads (PDLs) will work in tandem, supporting the HSCCs’ progress through (a) Self-evaluation, (b) STEM Pathways strategic planning, (c) Partnership building, (d) Proposal conceptualization and development and (e) Project implementation.

Letter of Intent required by 5pm (EST) on March 6, 2015. Full Applications are due at 5pm (EST) March 20, 2015 3

Establish Internal TeamParticipating HSCCs must designate an Internal Team of 3 to 6 critical decision-makers at the institution and key staff at multi-levels who will be invested in the plan and manage project execution on-site. To ensure institution-wide commitment to its success, institutional senior staff (i.e., the President, Academic and Administrative VPs, Governing Boards, and State overseers, as appropriate) must be informed of, and engaged in, the KickStarter Program.

Attend Kickoff Meeting in Washington D.C. – HOLD possible dates week of May 4, 2015Principal Investigators (PIs) from the selected KickStarter HSCCs will convene for an initial, 2-day project meeting with SFAz’s Technical Assistance Team (KS Reps and PDLs) in Washington, DC., (travel will be funded by the KickStarter program). At this meeting, we will review the program plan, match colleges with their KS Reps and PDLs, meet NSF Program Officers, introduce viable tools and resources, and begin fostering a shared community.

Establish STEM Pathways StrategyKickStarter Service Representatives (KS Reps) are STEM education experts who have an understanding of Hispanic culture, language and HSCCs. KS Reps will utilize the STEM Pathways Guide to work with the HSCC’s Internal Team by (a) guiding them through a process to identify and prioritize their STEM interests or needs, (b) introducing existing programs for HSCCs to consider adopting or adapting, (c) facilitating development of a STEM Pathways Strategic Plan, including mission/vision, management plan and desired outcomes, (d) identifying and strategically planning a proposal to be developed, (e) designing a project implementation plan, (f) and aggregating data and looking for trends.

Develop Competitive ProposalProposal Development Leads (PDLs) are experienced proposal developers who will work with the HSCCs and the KS Reps to (a) Review funding opportunities, (b) Identify past strengths/weaknesses in previously submitted proposals, (c) Strategize and conceptualize potential projects and partnerships, (d) Guide the HSCCs’ proposal development process by providing intensive assistance every step of the way, including securing partners, researchers and evaluators, (e) Provide support in proposal writing, editing, critiquing and submission, (f) Interface with potential funders, and (g) Summarize panel findings to address flaws, thereby better preparing the HSCC for their next submission.

Letter of Intent required by 5pm (EST) on March 6, 2015. Full Applications are due at 5pm (EST) March 20, 2015 4

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Eligibility:

1. Applicants must be Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) within California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida.

2. The HSI must be a Hispanic Serving 2-year Community College (HSCC).

3. The HSCC must desirably have at least 40% Hispanic student population (this requirement exceeds the HSI definition of at least 25% Hispanic students).

4. Applicants must have active Title-V funding and the awarded Title V project must be focused on: (a) recruiting and retaining students in STEM, (b) updating and streamlining STEM courses and degree/certification attainment and/or (c) expanding federal funding competitiveness.

5. Applicants must have previously submitted proposal(s) in the last 5 years to NSF, or other government-agency and been declined.

Principal Investigator may be an administrator, or other individual with comparable positions, employed by the HSCC.

Applications must be submitted and authorized by the appropriate and recognized institutional authority responsible for external grants and funding at the HSCC.

Format:

Font: Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, Cambria, or Tahoma Point Size: 12-point Margins: 1” all around Maximum number of pages: 8, not including award/declination letter attachments

Cover Sheet: complete the one-page Cover Sheet using the attached template

Content (8 pages max):

Internal Team members representing the HSCCProvide names and titles of the individuals from your college that you would like work with the SFAz Technical Assistance Team.

Letter of Intent required by 5pm (EST) on March 6, 2015. Full Applications are due at 5pm (EST) March 20, 2015 5

STEM Outreach and Career Exploration: List, if any, STEM Outreach activities for existing STEM degree/certification programs and the number of faculty and students who typically participate.

Foundational Knowledge and Skills: Use the sample Template below to list STEM degree and certificate program(s) that

you offer(ed) during the last 3-consecutive years:o Identify the Academic Year (AY) of program o Name the program and whether it is Degree-seeking or Certificate-grantingo Current number of full-time STEM-related faculty serving the programo Student enrollment in the STEM-related programo Number of students awarded a credential (degree or certificate)o Number of students that transfer to 4-year STEM-related programso Number of students placed in STEM-related occupationso Average starting salary for those students

List, if any, needs you have for your current STEM degree/certificate programs. List, if any, STEM degree/certificate programs the HSCC is interested in adding.

Existing degree and certificate programs – sample TemplateAY

OfferedProgram

Name and Degree or Certificate

Number of Full-time Faculty

Number of Students

enrolled in program

Number of Students awarded

Credentials

Number of Students who

Transfer to 4-yr STEM

Number of Students who

are hired

Average starting salary

12/13 NIMS 1 Certificate

1 15 students 5 students 5 students(1 with a credential)

7 students(4 with a credential)

$37,000

11/12 - 1 3 100% 0% $37,00010/11 - 1 2 50% 0% $35,000

Transferable certifications and degrees: List, if any, HSCC programs that transfer to 4-year STEM degree/certificate

programs. List, if any, Formal Articulation Agreements with 4-year institutions.

Student Support Strategies: Describe student support strategies you have in place, if any, to encourage student success.

Industry Engagement: List, if any, the existence of an Industry Advisory Board for each STEM

degree/certification program. Describe existing or intended industry- and institutional-partnerships, if any, and

their role with the following:o STEM programso STEM faculty

Letter of Intent required by 5pm (EST) on March 6, 2015. Full Applications are due at 5pm (EST) March 20, 2015 6

o STEM students

Technology: Describe existing technical capability, if any, that is used to improve access to education resources or instruction, virtual tours, mentoring, for example.

Curricular Alignment: Describe processes or policies, if any, that are being implemented to ensure all course credits students earn count toward a credential.

Proposal Infrastructure: Describe, if any, existing Proposal Development/Grant writing capabilities and processes, including:

Staffing for proposal-identifying, -generating, -editing, and -critiquing Strategy for conceptualizing and developing projects Tools utilized for identifying funding opportunities Interface with potential funders Tools and process for aggregating data and identifying trends Process for addressing funding-source comments and concerns

Attachments:

Previous NSF Grant Submissions: Attach a copy of the award letter(s) or declination letter(s) for each NSF-project your HSCC has applied since AY 2009/10. Attach a ½-page summary of the proposed work in simple terms that makes clear what you proposed to do and outline specific outcomes.

Previous ‘Other Government-agency’ Grant Submissions: Attach a copy of the award letter(s) or declination letter(s) for each NSF-project your HSCC has applied since AY 2009/10. Attach a ½-page summary of the proposed work in simple terms that makes clear what you proposed to do and outline specific outcomes.

Title V Abstract: Attach the Title V abstract submitted to the Department of Education (DOE) and awarded to the HSCC. Identify years of Title V grant period.

Letter of Intent required by 5pm (EST) on March 6, 2015. Full Applications are due at 5pm (EST) March 20, 2015 7

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Maximum Number of Applications from HSCCOnly one application will be accepted per institutional HSCC. This project does not allow for multi-institutional submissions.

Letter of Intent (REQUIRED)Due March 6, 2015 by 5pm (EST)Email Letter of Intent to Stephanie Torigian, storigian@sfaz.org

Submit letter from the same applying institution’s email address that will be used to submit a full application (don’t use Yahoo, Gmail, or Hotmail) with the following information:

This email serves as notification that {Insert HSCC name} intends to submit a full application by March 20, 2015, 5pm EST, for the KickStarter Program for Hispanic Serving Community Colleges, with the PI being {Insert PI Name and Title}. We meet the eligibility requirements of the Call for Applications. Sincerely, {Insert Name & Title}

Full Application (REQUIRED)Due March 20, 2015 by 5pm (EST)Email Full Application to Stephanie Torigian, storigian@sfaz.org

Use the guidelines in the section Application Information provided by this Call for Applications to prepare your application. Electronic submissions are preferred in Adobe .pdf file format or if necessary in Microsoft Word .doc/.docx file format.

SFAz Review and Selection ProcessApplications that SFAz receives by the deadline will be reviewed by an expert Review Panel and confirmed by the SFAz Board. Successful HSCC participants will be announced by April 3, 2015. The Program Officer assigned to manage the application will contact the Principal Investigator or Project Director via phone or email to inform of the decision.

SFAz Contacts & Application SubmissionSubmission inquiries should be made to Stephanie Torigian, Grants Coordinator:

o Phone: 602-682-2800, Email: storigian@sfaz.org

Programmatic and Content Inquiries should be made to:o Caroline VanIngen-Dunn, Sr. Manager, STEM Pathwayso Direct: 602-682-2882, Email: cvaningen-dunn@sfaz.org

Or to:o Eric Savage, PhD, Program Officer, Education Programso Cell: 928-707-1508, Email: esavage@sfaz.org

Letter of Intent required by 5pm (EST) on March 6, 2015. Full Applications are due at 5pm (EST) March 20, 2015 8

SFAz, 400 E. Van Buren St., Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Fax: 602-682-2890

Letter of Intent required by 5pm (EST) on March 6, 2015. Full Applications are due at 5pm (EST) March 20, 2015 9

APPLICATION COVER SHEET

HSCC KickStarter Program1a. HSCC NAME:

1b. ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP:

2a. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI) NAME: 1c. EMPLOYER ID NUMBER (EIN):

2b. TITLE and DEPARTMENT: 3a. TITLE-V FUNDING ID:

3b. TITLE-V AWARD YEAR:

3c. # TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT:

3d. % HISPANIC POPULATION:

3e. % RETENTION RATE

3d. # NSF GRANTS AWARDED (5 YRS):

3e. # NSF DECLINED (5 YRS):

3f. # OTHER GRANTS AWARDED (5YRS):

3g. # OTHER GRANTS DECLINED (5 YRS):

2c. EMAIL:

2d. TELEPHONE: FAX:

4a. Current Accreditation Body of HSCC:

4b. Last Accreditation Cycle Date:

4c. Next Accreditation Cycle Date:

4d. List, if any, Current ‘Specialized’ Program Accreditations of HSCC; include year accredited and next accredited cycle:

4e. List, if any, special accreditations the HSCC is interested in attaining:

4. OFFICIAL FISCAL AGENT SIGNING FOR APPLICANT ORGANIZATION**Fiscal Agent’s Name & Title:Organization:

Address:

Tel:

Fax:

Email:

4a. I certify that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I confirm acceptance of and agreement with the SFAZ Terms and Conditions of Grants & Contracts including that this applicant organization affirms and ensures the applicant principle investigator(s) meets SFAZ eligibility requirements and the project is in full compliance with the SFAZ Terms & Conditions.SIGNATURE OF OFFICIAL NAMED IN 4: DATE:

**Institution’s financial representative/department

Letter of Intent required by 5pm (EST) on March 6, 2015. Full Applications are due at 5pm (EST) March 20, 2015

FOR SFAZ ONLYGrant #

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