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 1998-2002 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
  1998 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 14, 1998.

     We anticipate funding four to five projects for the 
  1998-99 year.  Maximum grant awards will be $225,000 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.