The KCP office has been notified of a new funding opportunity.  TheNational Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participants (LSAMP) organization is introducing the Bridges to Baccalaureate Alliances (B2B) program to support under-represented minority science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students transferring from community colleges to four year institutions to graduate with STEM degrees.  Universities, two, and four year colleges are eligible to apply.  The B2B grants are three year awards and will not exceed $500,000 per year.  B2B does not require any match or cost share. Current LSAMP grantees are not eligible to apply.   While KCP is not an eligible applicant, KCP grantees are encouraged to apply.  Proposals are due on Friday, October 19, 2012.  Information about B2B can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12564/nsf12564.htm.

This new funding opportunity may provide an additional collaborative strategy to support the KCP program continuum. The department goal of collaboration and cooperation across programs could be further strengthened through a partnership between the 4-S and MICUP programs and the new B2B program.  The identification, recruitment, and enrollment of participants from under-represented groups will be increased by leveraging program resources through an alignment of shared goals, services, and activities.  B2B/KCP program collaborations will also contribute to the development of model service strategies and best practices geared toward improving core program goals. 

B2B/KCP collaborative strategies can also include MI GEAR UP.  As the MI GEAR UP cohort progresses toward high school graduation, targeted students may be identified for referrals to B2B/KCP programs.  MI GEAR UP students and B2B/KCP participants may also participate in jointly sponsored activities.  This will allow B2B/KCP participants to serve as ‘near peer’ mentors to MI GEAR UP students as they prepare for the transition to postsecondary education.   

The KCP office encourages grantees submitting B2B proposals to consider collaboration with other KCP programs.   Please advise the KCP office of assistance we can provide is addressing strategies for maximizing program outcomes through alignment of shared program goals. 

Ingrid Clover

Workforce Development Agency

State of Michigan

Victor Office Center

201 N. Washington Square, 2nd Floor

Lansing, MI  48913

Phone:  (517) 241-1190

E-mail:  [log in to unmask]