fbpx

StepUP READY grant application now available

The Utah System of Higher Education is excited to announce the second annual StepUP READY application and grant funding process. In supporting Utah’s student success and college completion goals, with funding provided by the Utah State Legislature, the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) invites grant applications from partnerships between school districts/local education authorities (LEAs) and Utah not-for-profit higher education institutions in an effort to increase the number of Utah’s public high school students who graduate college-ready and enroll in a post-secondary institution.

All grants require a robust partnership between the LEAs and the not-for profit higher education institution to ensure effective and intentional efforts surrounding college preparation, enrollment, and first-year transition.

The application begins with the submission of a Intent to Apply form. USHE will then solicit applications from among those applicants. After submission, all full applications will engage in a two month “consultation period” with USHE to align grant goals, objectives, and outcomes.

Grant Overview

  • $500,000 of state appropriated monies available*
  • Grants may be awarded up to $50,000***
  • All grantees agree to enter into a data-use agreement with USHE
  • Grants require a 50% match (can be in-kind)
  • Proposal review to be completed by a committee appointed by the Commissioner of Higher Education
  • K-16 Alliances are eligible to apply
  • Renewal invitations may be extended based on performance outcomes (2015 Recipients are not eligible to apply in this funding cycle)

* If funds are granted to a higher education institution, they will be sent directly to the institutional budget office. Institutional policy may require coordination with your Office of Sponsored Projects.
** Additional funds up to $25,000 per grant will be available through the College Access Challenge Grant (CACG). These additional funds will be available to LEAs and USHE institutions whose programs focus on underrepresented students. This may include first-generation, low-income, or other under-represented students, including women in STEM.

Grant Timeline

July 2, 2015Extended Intent to Apply notice due (mandatory)
July 27, 2015Grantees notified with invitations to apply & full RFP available
August 12, 2015Technical assistance call (mandatory)
September 9, 2015Application due
October 2015Consultation period
November 6, 2015Selection announcement
December 2015 - January 2016Grantees sign agreement
January 2016Grant monies released
January - December 2016Implementation
June 2016First Interim Report due
January 2017Second Interim Report due
April 2017Data Analysis and Final Report due

Important documents

StepUP READY Grant Overview
Intent to Apply form (Word .docx)

For questions, contact:

Christie Fox, PhD
Office of Outreach and Access
Utah System of Higher Education
801-366-8498
cfox@ushe.edu

Media Inquiries

Trisha Dugovic
Communications Director
801.646.4779