Title 45—Public Welfare--Volume 1
PART 2516—SCHOOL-BASED SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS
§ 2516.100   What is the purpose of school-based service-learning programs?
The purpose of school-based service-learning programs is to promote service-learning as a strategy to support high-quality service-learning projects that engage students in meeting community needs with demonstrable results, while enhancing students' academic and civic learning; and support efforts to build institutional capacity, including the training of educators, and to strengthen the service infrastructure to expand service opportunities.
§ 2516.110   Who may apply for a direct grant from the Corporation?
(a) The following entities may apply for a direct grant from the Corporation:
(1) A State, through a State educational agency (SEA). For purposes of this part “State” means one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and, except for the purpose of § 2516.600(b), U.S. Territories; “SEA” means a “State educational agency” as defined in § 2510.20 of this chapter or an SEA-designated statewide entity (which may be a community-based entity) with demonstrated experience in supporting or implementing service-learning programs.
(2) An Indian Tribe.
(3) For activities in a nonparticipating State or Indian Tribe, a community-based entity as defined in § 2510.20.
(b) The types of grants for which each entity is eligible are described in § 2516.200.
§ 2516.120   Who may apply for funding a subgrant?
Entities that may apply for a subgrant from a State, Indian Tribe, or community-based entity are:
(a) A qualified organization, Indian Tribe, Territory, local educational agency, for-profit business, private elementary school or secondary school, or institution of higher education for a grant from a State for planning and building the capacity of school-based service-learning programs.
(b) A local partnership, for a grant from a State to implement, operate, or expand a school-based service learning program.
(1) The local partnership must include an LEA and one or more community partners. The local partnership may include a private for-profit business, or private elementary or secondary school, or an Indian Tribe (except that an Indian Tribe distributing funds to a project under this paragraph is not eligible to be part of the partnership operating that project).
(2) The community partners must include a public or private nonprofit organization that has demonstrated expertise in the provision of services to meet educational, public safety, human, or environmental needs; will make projects available for participants, who must be students; and was in existence at least one year before the date on which the organization submitted an application under this part.
(c) An LEA or Indian Tribe for planning school-based service-learning programs involving paying, recruiting, and supporting service-learning coordinators.
(d) An LEA, local partnership, or public or private nonprofit organization for a grant from a State to implement, operate, or expand an adult volunteer program. The local partnership must include an LEA and one or more public or private nonprofit organizations, other educational agencies, or an Indian Tribe (except that an Indian Tribe distributing funds under this paragraph is not eligible to be a recipient of those funds) that coordinate and operate projects for participants who must be students.
(e) An eligible entity for a grant from a State or Indian Tribe to carry out civic engagement activities.
§ 2516.200   How may grant funds be used?
Funds under a school-based service learning grant may be used for the purposes described in this section.
(a) Planning and capacity-building. (1) A State, Indian Tribe, or community-based entity may use funds to pay for planning and building its capacity to implement school-based service-learning programs. These entities may use funds either directly or through subgrants or contracts with qualified organizations.
(2) Authorized activities include the following:
(i) Providing training for teachers, supervisors, personnel from community-based agencies (particularly with regard to the utilization of participants) and trainers, conducted by qualified individuals or organizations experienced in service-learning.
(ii) Developing service-learning curricula, consistent with State or local academic content standards, to be integrated into academic programs, including the age-appropriate learning components for students to analyze and apply their service experiences.
(iii) Forming local partnerships described in § 2516.120 to develop school-based service-learning programs in accordance with this part.
(iv) Devising appropriate methods for research and evaluation of the educational value of service-learning and the effect of service-learning activities on communities.
(v) Establishing effective outreach and dissemination of information to ensure the broadest possible involvement of community-based agencies with demonstrated effectiveness in working with school-age youth in their communities.
(vi) Establishing effective outreach and dissemination of information to ensure the broadest possible participation of schools throughout the State, Territory or serving the Indian Tribe involved, with particular attention to schools not making adequate yearly progress for two or more consecutive years under section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq. ).
(b) Implementing, operating, and expanding school-based programs. (1) A State, Indian Tribe or community-based entity may use funds to make subgrants to local partnerships described in § 2516.120(b) to implement, operate, or expand school-based service-learning programs.
(2) If a State does not submit an application that meets the requirements for an allotment grant under § 2516.400, the Corporation may use the allotment to fund applications from community-based entities for programs in that State.
(3) Authorized activities include paying the costs of the recruitment, training, supervision, placement, salaries and benefits of service-learning coordinators.
(c) Planning programs. (1) A State may use funds to make subgrants to LEAs for planning school-based service-learning programs.
(2) If a State does not submit an application that meets the requirements for an allotment grant under § 2516.400, the Corporation may use the allotment to fund applications from community-based entities for planning programs in that State.
(3) Authorized activities include paying the costs of—
(i) The salaries and benefits of service-learning coordinators as defined in § 2510.20 of this chapter; and
(ii) The recruitment, training, supervision, and placement of service-learning coordinators who may be, but are not required to be, participants in an AmeriCorps program described in parts 2520 through 2524 of this chapter, or who receive AmeriCorps education awards, or who may be participants in a project under section 201 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5001), or who may participate in a Youthbuild program under section 173A of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918a).
(d) Adult volunteer programs. (1) A State, Indian Tribe, or community-based entity may use funds to make subgrants to local partnerships described in § 2516.120(c) to implement, operate, or expand school-based programs involving adult volunteers to utilize service-learning to improve the education of students.
(2) If a State does not submit an application that meets the requirements for an allotment grant under § 2516.400, the Corporation may use the allotment to fund applications from those local partnerships for adult volunteer programs in that State.
(e) Planning by Indian Tribes and U.S. Territories. If the Corporation makes a grant to an Indian Tribe or a U.S. Territory to plan school-based service-learning programs, the grantee may use the funds for that purpose.
(f) Civic engagement programs. A State, Indian Tribe, Territory or qualified organization may use funds to support service-learning civic engagement programs that promote a better understanding of:
(1) The principles of the Constitution, the heroes of United States history (including military history), and the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance;
(2) How the Nation's government functions; and
(3) The importance of service in the Nation's character.
§ 2516.300   Who may participate in a school-based service-learning program?
Students who are enrolled in elementary or secondary schools on a full-time or part-time basis may participate in school-based programs.
§ 2516.310   May private school students participate?
(a) Yes. To the extent consistent with the number of students in the State or Indian tribe or in the school district of the LEA involved who are enrolled in private nonprofit elementary or secondary schools, the State, Indian tribe, or LEA must (after consultation with appropriate private school representatives) make provision—
(1) For the inclusion of services and arrangements for the benefit of those students so as to allow for the equitable participation of the students in the programs under this part; and
(2) For the training of the teachers of those students so as to allow for the equitable participation of those teachers in the programs under this part.
(b) If a State, Indian tribe, or LEA is prohibited by law from providing for the participation of students or teachers from private nonprofit schools as required by paragraph (a) of this section, or if the Corporation determines that a State, Indian tribe, or LEA substantially fails or is unwilling to provide for their participation on an equitable basis, the Corporation will waive those requirements and arrange for the provision of services to the students and teachers.
§ 2516.320   Is a participant eligible to receive an AmeriCorps educational award?
No. However, service-learning coordinators who are approved AmeriCorps positions are eligible for AmeriCorps educational awards.
§ 2516.400   What must a State or Indian tribe include in an application for a grant?
In order to apply for a grant from the Corporation under this part, a State (SEA) or Indian tribe must submit the following: (a) A three-year strategic plan for promoting service-learning through programs under this part, or a revision of a previously approved three-year strategic plan. The application of a SEA must include a description of how the SEA will coordinate its service-learning plan with the State Plan under § 2550.80(a) of this chapter and with other federally-assisted activities.
(b) A proposal containing the specific program, budget, and other information specified by the Corporation in the grant application package.
(c) Assurances that the applicant will—
(1) Keep such records and provide such information to the Corporation with respect to the programs as may be required for fiscal audits and program evaluation; and
(2) Comply with the criminal history check requirements for all grant-funded staff employed after October 1, 2009, in accordance with 45 CFR 2540.200-207, as well as the nonduplication, nondisplacement, and grievance procedure requirements of Part 2540.
§ 2516.410   What must a community-based entity include in an application for a grant?
In order to apply to the Corporation for a grant, a community-based entity must submit the following:
(a) A detailed description of the proposed program goals and activities. The application of a community-based entity must include—
(1) A description of how the applicant will coordinate its activities with the State Plan under § 2513 of this chapter, including a description of plans to meet and consult with the State Commission, if possible, and to provide a copy of the program application to the State Commission and with other Federally-assisted activities.
(b) The specific program, budget, and other information specified by the Corporation in the grant application package.
(c) Assurances that the applicant will—
(1) Keep such records and provide such information to the Corporation with respect to the program as may be required for fiscal audits and program evaluations;
(2) Prior to the placement of a participant, consult with the appropriate local labor organization, if any, representing employees in the area who are engaged in the same or similar work as that proposed to be carried out by the program, to prevent the displacement and protect the rights of those employees;
(3) Develop an age-appropriate learning component for participants in the program that includes a chance for participants to analyze and apply their service experiences; and
(4) Comply with the criminal history check requirements for all grant-funded staff employed after October 1, 2009, in accordance with 45 CFR 2540.200-207, as well as the nonduplication, nondisplacement, and grievance procedure requirements of Part 2540.
§ 2516.420   What must an LEA, local partnership, qualified organization or other eligible entity include in an application for a subgrant?
In order to apply for a subgrant from a State, Indian Tribe, or community-based entity under this part, an applicant must include the information required by the Corporation grantee.
§ 2516.500   How does the Corporation review the merits of an application?
(a) In reviewing the merits of an application submitted to the Corporation under this part, the Corporation evaluates the quality, innovation, replicability, and sustainability of the proposal on the basis of the following criteria: (1) Quality, as indicated by the extent to which—
(i) The program will provide productive meaningful, educational experiences that incorporate service-learning methods;
(ii) The program will meet community needs and involve individuals from diverse backgrounds (including economically disadvantaged youth) who will serve together to explore the root causes of community problems;
(iii) The principal leaders of the program will be well qualified for their responsibilities;
(iv) The program has sound plans and processes for training, technical assistance, supervision, quality control, evaluation, administration, and other key activities; and
(v) The program will advance knowledge about how to do effective and innovative community service and service-learning and enhance the broader elementary and secondary education field.
(2) Replicability, as indicated by the extent to which the program will assist others in learning from experience and replicating the approach of the program.
(3) Sustainability, as indicated by the extent to which—
(i) An SEA, Indian tribe or community-based entity applicant demonstrates the ability and willingness to coordinate its activities with the State Plan under § 2550.80(a) of this chapter and with other federally assisted activities;
(ii) The program will foster collaborative efforts among local educational agencies, local government agencies, community based agencies, businesses, and State agencies;
(iii) The program will enjoy strong, broad-based community support; and
(iv) There is evidence that financial resources will be available to continue the program after the expiration of the grant.
(b) The Corporation also gives priority to proposals that—
(1) Involve participants in the design and operation of the program;
(2) Reflect the greatest need for assistance, such as programs targeting low-income areas or serving economically disadvantaged youth:
(3) Involve students from public and private schools serving together;
(4) Involve students of different ages, races, genders, ethnicities, abilities and disabilities, or economic backgrounds, serving together;
(5) Are integrated into the academic program of the participants;
(6) Best represent the potential of service-learning as a vehicle for education reform and school-to-work transition;
(7) Develop civic responsibility and leadership skills and qualities in participants;
(8) Demonstrate the ability to achieve the goals of this part on the basis of the proposal's quality, innovation, replicability, and sustainability; or
(9) Address any other priority established by the Corporation for a particular period.
(c) In reviewing applications submitted by Indian tribes and U.S. Territories, the Corporation—
(1) May decide to approve only planning of school-based service-learning programs; and
(2) Will set the amounts of grants in accordance with the respective needs of applicants.
§ 2516.510   What happens if the Corporation rejects a State's application for an allotment grant?
If the Corporation rejects a State's application for an allotment grant under § 2516.600(b)(2), the Corporation will—
(a) Promptly notify the State of the reasons for the rejection;
(b) Provide the State with a reasonable opportunity to revise and resubmit the application;
(c) Provide technical assistance, if necessary; and
(d) Promptly reconsider the resubmitted application and make a decision.
§ 2516.520   How does a State, Indian tribe, or community-based entity review the merits of an application?
In reviewing the merits of an application for a subgrant under this part, a Corporation grantee must use the criteria and priorities in § 2516.500.
§ 2516.600   How are funds for school-based service-learning programs distributed?
(a) Of the amounts appropriated to carry out this part for any fiscal year, the Corporation will reserve not less than two percent and not more than three percent for grants to Indian Tribes and U.S. Territories to be allotted in accordance with their respective needs.
(b) The Corporation will use the remainder of the funds appropriated as follows:
(1) Allotments to States.
(i) From 50 percent of the remainder, the Corporation will allot to each State an amount that bears the same ratio to 50 percent of the remainder as the number of school-age youth in the State bears to the total number of school-age youth of all States.
(ii) From 50 percent of the remainder, the Corporation will allot to each State an amount that bears the same ratio to 50 percent of the remainder as the allocation to the State for the previous fiscal year under Chapter 1 of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq. ) bears to the allocations to all States.
(iii) Notwithstanding other provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, for any fiscal year for which amounts appropriated for Part I of Subtitle B of Title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12521 et seq. ) exceed $50,000,000, the minimum allotment to each State under this paragraph (b)(1) will be $75,000.
(2) For the purpose of paragraph (b) of this section, “State” means one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(c) If a State or Indian Tribe does not submit an application that meets the requirements for approval under this part, the Corporation (after making any grants to community-based entities for activities in nonparticipating States) may use its allotment for States and Indian Tribes with approved applications, as the Corporation determines appropriate.
§ 2516.700   What matching funds are required?
(a) The Corporation share of the cost of carrying out a program funded under this part may not exceed—
(1) Eighty percent of the total cost for the first year for which the program receives assistance;
(2) Sixty-five percent of the total cost for the second year; and
(3) Fifty percent of the total cost for the third year and any subsequent year.
(b) In providing for the remaining share of the cost of carrying out a program, each recipient of assistance must provide for that share through a payment in cash or in-kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services, and may provide for that share through State sources, local sources, or Federal sources (other than funds made available under the national service laws or title I of the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq. )).
(c) The Corporation may waive the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section in whole or in part with respect to any program in any fiscal year if the Corporation determines that the waiver would be equitable due to a lack of available financial resources at the local level.
§ 2516.710   What are the limits on the use of funds?
The following limits apply to funds available under this part:
(a)(1) Not more than six percent of the grant funds provided under this part for any fiscal year may be used to pay for administrative costs, as defined in § 2510.20 of this chapter.
(2) The distribution of administrative costs between the grant and any subgrant is subject to the approval of the Corporation.
(3) In applying the limitation on administrative costs, the Corporation may approve one of the following methods in the award document:
(i) Limit the amount or rate of indirect costs that may be paid with Corporation funds under a grant or subgrant to six percent of total Corporation funds expended, provided that—
(A) Organizations that have an established indirect cost rate for Federal awards will be limited to this method; and
(B) Unreimbursed indirect costs may be applied to meeting operational matching requirements under the Corporation's award;
(ii) Specify that a fixed rate of six percent or less (not subject to supporting cost documentation) of total Corporation funds expended may be used to pay for administrative costs, provided that the fixed rate is in conjunction with an overall 15 percent administrative cost factor to be used for organizations that do not have established indirect cost rates; or
(iii) Use such other method that the Corporation determines in writing is consistent with OMB guidance and other applicable requirements, helps minimize the burden on grantees or subgrantees, and is beneficial to grantees or subgrantees and the Federal Government.
(b) Funds made available under this part may not be used to pay any stipend, allowance, or other financial support to any participant in a service-learning program under this part except reimbursement for transportation, meals, and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses directly related to participation in a program assisted under this part.
§ 2516.720   What is the length of each type of grant?
(a) One year is the maximum length of—
(1) A planning grant under § 2516.200 (a), (c) or (e); and
(2) A grant to a local partnership for activities in a nonparticipating State under § 2516.200 (b)(2) and (d)(2).
(b) All other grants are for a period of up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance and annual appropriations.
§ 2516.730   May an applicant submit more than one application to the Corporation for the same project at the same time?
No. The Corporation will reject an application for a project if an application for funding or educational awards for the same project is already pending before the Corporation.
§ 2516.800   What are the purposes of an evaluation?
Every evaluation effort should serve to improve program quality, examine benefits of service, or fulfill legislative requirements.
§ 2516.810   What types of evaluations are grantees and subgrantees required to perform?
All grantees and subgrantees are required to perform internal evaluations which are ongoing efforts to assess performance and improve quality. Grantees and subgrantees may, but are not required to, arrange for independent evaluations which are assessments of program effectiveness by individuals who are not directly involved in the administration of the program. The cost of independent evaluations is allowable.
§ 2516.820   What types of internal evaluation activities are required of programs?
Programs are required to: (a) Continuously assess management effectiveness, the quality of services provided, and the satisfaction of both participants and service recipients. Internal evaluations should seek frequent feedback and provide for quick correction of weakness. The Corporation encourages programs to use internal evaluation methods, such as community advisory councils, participant advisory councils, peer reviews, quality control inspections, and service recipient and participant surveys.
(b) Track progress toward pre-established objectives. Objectives must be established by programs and approved by the Corporation. Programs must submit to the Corporation (or the Corporation grantee as applicable) periodic performance reports.
(c) Collect and submit to the Corporation (through the Corporation grantee as applicable) the following data: (1) The total number of participants in each program and basic demographic characteristics of the participants including sex, age, economic background, education level, ethnic group, disability classification, and geographic region.
(2) Other information as required by the Corporation.
(d) Cooperate fully with all Corporation evaluation activities.
§ 2516.830   What types of activities are required of Corporation grantees to evaluate the effectiveness of their subgrantees?
A Corporation grantee that makes subgrants must do the following: (a) Ensure that subgrantees comply with the requirements of § 2516.840.
(b) Track program performance in terms of progress toward pre-established objectives; ensure that corrective action is taken when necessary; and submit to the Corporation periodic performance reports.
(c) Collect from programs and submit to the Corporation the descriptive information required in § 2516.820(c)(1).
(d) Cooperate fully with all Corporation evaluation activities.
§ 2516.840   By what standards will the Corporation evaluate individual Learn and Serve America programs?
The Corporation will evaluate programs based on the following: (a) The extent to which the program meets the objectives established and agreed to by the grantee and the Corporation before the grant award.
(b) The extent to which the program is cost-effective.
(c) Other criteria as determined and published by the Corporation.
§ 2516.850   What will the Corporation do to evaluate the overall success of the service-learning program?
(a) The Corporation will conduct independent evaluations. These evaluations will consider the opinions of participants and members of the communities where services are delivered. If appropriate, these evaluations will compare participants with individuals who have not participated in service-learning programs. These evaluations will—
(1) Study the extent to which service-learning programs as a whole affect the involved communities;
(2) Determine the extent to which service-learning programs as a whole increase academic learning of participants, enhance civic education, and foster continued community involvement; and
(3) Determine the effectiveness of different program models.
(b) The Corporation will also determine by June 30, 1995, whether outcomes of service-learning programs are defined and measured appropriately, and the implications of the results from such a study for authorized funding levels.
§ 2516.860   Will information on individual participants be kept confidential?
(a) Yes. The Corporation will maintain the confidentiality of information regarding individual participants that is acquired for the purpose of the evaluations described in § 2516.840. The Corporation will disclose individual participant information only with the prior written consent of the participant. However, the Corporation may disclose aggregate participant information.
(b) Grantees and subgrantees under this part must comply with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section.