COMMUNITY COLLEGE INITIATIVE (CCI) PROGRAM Request for Program Host Proposals

Transcription

1 COMMUNITY COLLEGE INITIATIVE (CCI) PROGRAM Request for Program Host Proposals PROGRAM OVERVIEW IREX (The International Research and Exchanges Board) invites proposals from U.S. community colleges to host the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program. The CCI Program focuses on developing workforce-ready individuals from underserved populations to be global citizens equipped with technical proficiency in their field of study, employability skills, and leadership expertise to advance their country s development and to promote mutual understanding. Selected participants take part in an academic year of U.S. based training and practical experience in academic coursework, professional development, community engagement, and exploration of U.S. culture and society through placements at accredited U.S. community colleges. This multifaceted experience provides participants with 21st century skills which they take home ready to engage with their communities. The Community College Initiative Program is a program sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State, supported by the people of the United States, and implemented by IREX. We anticipate awarding up to four separate sub-agreements of no greater than $95,000 each to colleges to host approximately ten (10) to thirteen (13) participants for an academic year, including a one-month orientation prior to the start of the academic year. CCI participants are enrolled in an on-campus, academic year certificate program within their field of study. Eligible fields of study include: agriculture, applied engineering, business management and administration, early childhood education, information technology, media, public safety, or tourism & hospitality management. As part of the CCI Program, the subgrantee will design and host a four-week orientation program prior to the start of Fall 2014 classes at their college and provide programmatic support for the academic year based on the attached minimum standards and best practices framework, and all subsequent revisions negotiated through correspondence. For more information about the CCI Program, please visit: We kindly ask that you submit your proposal to IREX no later than May 5, 2014 by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Proposals can be ed to Jessica Anduiza at cci@irex.org. Late submissions will not be considered. We anticipate announcing awards in May-June, If awarded a sub-grant from IREX, applicants will be subject to OMB Circular A-133, A-110, and the applicable cost principles, which for educational institutions is A-21. Please contact Jessica Anduiza (cci@irex.org) or x213 with any questions.

2 PARTICIPANT INFORMATION CCI participants will: Have English-language proficiency in written and spoken English, documented by a minimum TOEFL score of at least 400 or will be likely to achieve this score after short-term pre-academic English training in the United States prior to the start of the academic year; Be citizens and residents of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Cote d'ivoire, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, or Turkey; (Subject to change by ECA.) Pursue a one year professional certificate in the fields of agriculture, applied engineering, business management and administration, information technology, early childhood education, media, public safety, and tourism or hospitality management; Be at least 18 years of age. U.S. PROGRAM DATES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) The anticipated CCI Program dates are July 2014 May These program dates depend on the host college s academic calendar and include a one-month orientation at the host college before the first semester begins. In addition, these dates include a Mid-Program Workshop hosted by IREX in Washington, D.C. Program Coordinators from host colleges should plan to attend the Mid-Program Workshop. Expenses related to attending these events will be covered by IREX. July 2014: One-month Orientation August December, 2014: CCI participants complete their first semester at host college December 2014/January 2015: CCI participants and Program Coordinators travel to D.C. for Mid- Program Workshop (specific dates to be set at later time). January May 2015: CCI participants complete their final semester at host college and complete all requirements for their professional certificate. Participants return to their home countries immediately following the academic year. CCI PROGRAM MINIMUM STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES: IREX is providing the program minimum standards as well as best practices to guide your proposal development. Please find these in Attachment I of this request for proposal document. PROPOSAL NARRATIVE: The proposal narrative, not to exceed ten (10) single-spaced pages, should feature the following components: 1. Host College Overview (suggested length one page) Your proposal should address the following: Basic information regarding the college s accreditation. Include a copy of the college s academic calendar as an attachment. The college s experience in working with the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program or any similar international exchange/education programs. The college s ability to provide any cost share for this proposal (ex. tuition breaks, etc.) and if the college has relationships with any private funders/local companies/civic organizations that may be willing to provide monetary or in-kind cost share. The estimated cost per participant for the subaward which includes the four-week orientation and support for the program year and estimated cost per participant for tuition and room and board for the academic year. 2

3 2. Program Orientation (suggested length one-two pages) CCI participants will take part in a four-week, non-credit, non-degree intensive program orientation prior to the start of their year-long certificate programs at their host community colleges. The program orientation should promote academic, professional, and personal growth while it prepares participants for the CCI Program. The program orientation will be a four-week program, with the following components: English Language Training (80 hours total, 20 hours/week). This component should test participants in English language skills upon arrival and provide tailored English language training per participant per skill level. Academic Success Skills (40 hours total, 10 hours/week). This component should familiarize participants with: o Skills for academic success including study skills, time management, and punctuality. o Appropriate written and verbal communication with professors, program support staff, and classmates. o The use of technology in U.S. academic settings. o Online course management tools and training in Microsoft Office, as well as guidance in utilizing public computer labs and contacting professors online. Campus and Community Introduction (20 hours total, 5 hours/week). This component should familiarize participants with: o Campus libraries and tutoring services; o Public transportation in U.S. communities; o Campus and community resources; o Roommate behavior; o Available healthcare services on campus and in the community; o Campus resources for cultural and academic adjustment and religious accommodations; o Establishing bank accounts and basic budgeting of program funds. Introduction to Program Components (8 hours total, 2 hours/week). This component should address academic, professional and personal growth and familiarize participants with: o Academic expectations in the United States, including academic honesty, plagiarism, and seeking academic support. o Leadership development, incorporating communication and critical thinking. o CCI Program components including the Workplace Excellence Series, the Global Citizens Passport to America, the Spring internship, country presentations, service learning and the Individual Development Plan (IDP). Individual Development Plan (IDP) (12 hours total, 3 hours/week): IREX has designed the IDP as a guided "work-in-progress" that will support participant growth from the pre-arrival period to the alumni phase and beyond, drawing in all aspects of global citizenship. Over the course of the year, the IDP will use thought questions, checklists, and timelines to help students track their progress, reflect on their goals, and discuss their progress with advisers. This component should familiarize participants with: o The layout, purpose, and utility of the Individual Development Plan. 3

4 o o o o Developing SMART academic, professional, and personal goals and benchmarks for the program and the future. Giving and receiving constructive feedback on goals and benchmarks for the program. Engaging in reflective practice as a tool for professional development. Strategies for leveraging the Individual Development Plan for time management, planning, and organization. Attach a detailed schedule of topics for the four-week orientation in addition to discussing how your institution would design and effectively implement the orientation in the proposal. 3. Academic Program (suggested length one-two pages) The CCI Program centers around an intensive certificate-completion academic program designed for non-traditional students. The proposal should address which of these field/s of study the college is able to provide a full course of study where professional certificates in these fields would be awarded to the participant at the end of the academic year. The proposed certificate programs must: Be able to be completed in one academic year (two semesters/three quarters) Allow for non-degree, non-major students to take courses Majority of courses adhere to in-person/face-to-face format for delivery. A limited number of online courses may be permitted. Certificates with online courses must be clearly noted in proposal and the proposal should address how the college will supplement online learning. Eligible fields of study for the CCI Program are: (Host colleges that can offer one-year certificates in Agriculture and Business Management and Administration are strongly encouraged to apply.) Agriculture Agriculture Business, Agronomy and Veterinary Science, Animal Science, Aquaculture (Fishery Science), Farm Management, Feed and Fertilizer Marketing, Floral Design, Greenhouse Production, Horticulture, Natural Resources Technician, Organic Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture Applied Engineering Automotive Manufacturing Technology, Auto Tech, Basic and Advanced AutoCAD, Catia CAD, Construction Management, Electrical Tech, Electronic Tech, Engineering Assembly Technician, Engineering Tech, Engineering Technician, Energy Management, Environmental Studies, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Manufacturing Engineering Tech, Manufacturing Maintenance Technician, Water Treatment, Welding Technology Business Management and Administration Accounting, Banking and Finance, Bookkeeping, Business Technology, Customer Service, Energy and Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Human Resources, International Business, Leadership Development, Marketing, Marketing Management, Project Management, Office Administration, Sales, Small Business Management, Supply Chain Management Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Development, Infant and Toddler Care Specialization, School-Age Care Specialization, Family Childcare Specialization, Paraprofessional Teacher Assistant Information Technology Cisco, Commercial Art Tech, Computer Animation, Computer Forensics, Computer Information System (CIS), Computer Literacy, Computer Support Specialist, Data Recovery, Database, Digital Media, E- Commerce, Help Desk, GIS, Multimedia, Mobile Application Development, Networking, Programming 4

5 Media Advertising, Computer Animation, Desktop Publishing, Digital Media, Digital Design, Film Making, Graphic Design, Journalism, Music Recording and Mixing, Public Relations, Social Media, TV, Video Game Design, Visual Communications Public Safety Emergency Management, Fire Science Tourism and Hospitality Management Conference Management, Culinary Arts, Customer Service, Food & Beverage Management, Front Office Operations, Hotel Management, Meeting and Event Management, Hospitality Management, Restaurant Management, Travel and Tourism 4. Academic Success and English Language Support (suggested length one page) Host colleges should be able to provide continued academic and ESL support services throughout the academic year. In the proposal discuss how the college would approach providing ongoing academic support including the resources available to participants on campus. The proposal description should address how your institution intends to differentiate instruction and provide on-going support for participants with varying English language skills. The host college will be expected to administer an English language skills test (i.e. ACT Compass ESL) at the beginning, after the orientation period, and conclusion of the program. 5. Fostering Personal Development: Leadership, Community Engagement, and Cultural Programming (suggested length one page) The CCI Program utilizes a variety of strategies and resources to develop participants leadership skills, engage with the U.S. culture and share their culture with Americans, and foster community engagement. Host colleges should identify a program coordiantor to work directly with CCI participants throughout the program. This Program Coordinator should conduct bi-weekly check-in meetings with participants to ensure success. In addition to providing general support to the CCI participants, the Program Coordinator will be responsible for the following: Service Learning: Program Coordinators develop a service learning program for the year that will provide a window into U.S. diversity, develop participants as leaders, and promote habits of community engagement. Individual Development Plans: Program Coordinators help participants develop, implement, and revise their Individual Development Plans. Cultural Engagement: Program Coordinators organize a well-rounded cultural engagement program which includes at least two cultural activities per semester, coordination of a friendship family program, and facilitating country presentations by the CCI participants. IREX provides resources to facilitate and encourage participants engagement in U.S. cultural activities through the Global Citizens Passport to America Program. 5

6 6. Professional Development: Workplace Excellence Series and Spring Internships (suggested length one page) Host colleges are expected to provide professional development opportunities for CCI participants. During the fall semester host colleges implement a Workplace Excellence Series in which participants are prepared for the Spring internships. The Workplace Excellence Series should provide participants with soft skills training to prepare participants for their internship search as well as internship and may include such topics as resume writing, networking, and effective communication in the U.S. workplace as well as exposure to local companies for a firsthand view of the U.S. workplace. This requirement may be fulfilled through either programming, a for credit course, or a combination of both. Host colleges should assist CCI participants in securing spring internships and meet regularly with participants to ensure they are on track to complete this program requirement. In addition to describing how the college will handle this component, please include information on internship possibilities within the host community in the field/s of study your host college is proposing to host. 7. Program Logistics and Monitoring (suggested length two-three pages) Noting the minimum standards and best practices in Attachment I, please describe your institution s vision for the management and monitoring the program by addressing the following topics: A. Staffing, Monitoring, and Support- Describe your college s program orientation management and logistical support team and your institution s plan and process for resolving and responding to participant cross-cultural and academic issues. Please also address what staffing support would be available specifically to support the CCI Program. Attach the resume of the proposed Program Coordinator. B. On Campus Resources & Relevant Experience- Describe your college s relevant experience, on and off-campus resources to enhance programming, and your demonstrated capacity to manage similar programs of this size and scope. Please note IREX anticipates some CCI participants will be practicing Muslims. The proposal should address on and off campus resources as well as arrangements for participants to practice their religion. C. Housing, Meals, Local Transportation- Describe in specific detail your college s arrangements for housing, meal options, and day to day transportation for the cohort. Please address if housing is on or off campus, the type of housing (apartment, suites, etc), rooming arrangements, and availability and type of transportation. D. Program Orientation Arrival and Departure- Describe how your college s plan to effectively manage the arrival of up to 13 participants to your institution and their departure to their home countries at the conclusion of the program. E. Program and Academic Year Dates- Include in your college s proposal the proposed dates. Participants need to complete the program orientation prior to the start of classes on their host campuses. PROPOSAL ATTACHMENTS 1. ORIENTATION PROGRAM SCHEDULE: Please provide an overview of the planned program course topics throughout the four-week orientation and other planned activities. 6

7 2. COLLEGE ACADEMIC SCHEDULE 3. RESUMES: Please provide the resumes of the a.) proposed Program Coordinator b.) lead ESL instructor, and c) other key personnel. 4. BUDGET AND BUDGET NARRATIVE: IREX anticipates awarding an amount not to exceed $95,000 to host approximately 10 to 13 participants for one academic year. The sub-award will cover all costs for the 4-week orientation, program-related labor for the length of the program up to 12 months, costs associated with implementing the program competent such as a Community Engagement and Leadership line item, transportation, office supplies, and/or special events. Please note that the following participant program costs will be covered directly by IREX: participants international travel and domestic travel to and from the program orientation and participants CCI host institutions; participant stipends to cover meals (if not included in a meal plan) and incidentals; participant tuition and housing; and accident and sickness health benefit plan. IREX provides J-1 visa support for program participants. Cost-share by the host college is encouraged. Cost-share can include, but is not limited to, college fees, tuition, transportation, and personnel costs. See Attachment II for a summary and detailed budget template. For the budget, please outline how each line item is calculated with a comprehensive detailed budget and budget narrative demonstrating how costs were derived. For each staff person, please include level of effort/percentage of time dedicated to the program. If indirect costs are included in the budget, please attach a current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) from a cognizant agency. Please attach a one-page budget narrative explaining the budget and clearly detailing requirements, parameters, or other information that illuminates the figures used in the budget. 5. A-133 AUDIT: Applicants must include a copy of the institution s most recent A-133 audit. PROPOSAL ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA Following the proposal deadline, a selection committee will convene to review submitted proposals and select host colleges for the CCI Program based on the following criteria (not in order of importance): Overall demonstrated capacity of college to administer programs of this nature; Strength and relevance of academic program; Experience and proven track record successfully providing cross-cultural and academic support to international exchange participants; Strength and relevance of the English language program component; Experience and qualification of key personnel (Program Coordinator, etc.); Appropriateness of proposed housing, meals, and transportation; and Cost-effectiveness of proposed budget. RFP ATTACHMENTS Attachment I: CCI Minimum Standards and Best Practices Attachment II: CCI Program Detailed Subaward Budget Template 7

8 Attachment III: CCI Program Detailed Non-Subaward Budget Template 8