INFORMATIONAL

  Under the requirements of the Even Start Family Literacy
  Program funded under P.L. 103-382, Title 1, Part B, As
  Amended, and the 1996-2000 Virginia Consolidated State
  Application, funding is available through the Competitive
  Grant Application process for receipt of funds for Even
  Start programs.

  The purposes of funding Even Start projects are to:  (1)
  provide an opportunity to improve the educational
  opportunities of children and adults by integrating early
  childhood education and adult education into a unified,
  family-centered program to help parents become full partners
  in their children's education; and, (2) to assist children
  in reaching their full potential as learners.

  Those institutions or agencies interested in submitting
  applications for consideration should request a copy of the
  1997 Competitive Grant Application Packet from the Office of
  Compensatory Programs, Virginia Department of Education, P.
  O. Box 2120, Richmond, Virginia, 23218-2120, or call Chancie
  Dunkley at (804) 371-8973.  These packets contain data
  regarding the Competitive Grant Application for Even Start,
  including necessary information for submission of
  applications, deadlines, funding information, and
  appropriate forms.  The deadline for submission of proposals
  in response to this CGA is January 24, 1997.

                              (over)
  It is expected that four or five projects will be able to be
  funded for the 1996-97 year.  It is anticipated that grants
  will range from $150,000 to $200,000 for the first year of
  the project.  A local education agency must apply in
  partnership with a community-based organization.

  If additional information is needed and/or if you have
  questions, contact Cheryl Strobel, Even Start State
  Coordinator, at (804) 371-7578, or Foster Miles, Even Start
  Grants Manager, at (804) 371-7582.

  RTL:cd

  Copies to:   LEAs; Public and Private Non-Profit Virginia
               Colleges and Universities; Other Agencies or
               Parties Eligible to Provide Needed Services