COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 201

December 5, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Application Packet for Learn and Serve Virginia K-12 Programs Grant Competition 2003-2004

The Virginia Department of Education announces the availability of Learn and Serve Virginia K-12 grant funds to be awarded to school divisions for the development of new school-based, service-learning programs. The three-year funding period begins December 1, 2003, and ends June 30, 2006. Grants will be made for the current school year (2003-2004) and can be renewed for the same level of funding for two additional years based on the availability of funds and program performance.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides funding for the Learn and Serve K-12 programs. Programs selected for funding will be awarded up to $45,000 per school year and are required to match the grant dollars with the same amount of local or state funds.

Many provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (specifically Titles I, III, IV, V, and VII) encourage or allow service-learning to be implemented as a strategy to help young people develop a strong sense of community. Additional information on service learning is located at the National Service Learning Clearinghouse Web site, http://www.servicelearning.org/library/online_documents/pdfs/nochild.pdf.

Applications for Learn and Serve funds are due in the Office of Program Administration and Accountability no later than January 16, 2004, by 4 p.m. Addresses and delivery information are contained in the application packet. The application can be downloaded at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/rfp-learnandserve.html.

If you have questions or need additional program information, please contact Ms. Cheryl Gray Ball at 804-225-2882, or by e-mail at cgraybal@mail.vak12ed.edu.

JLD/CGB/jf