May 11, 2022 Grant Opportunity: Upward Bound Math and Science ProgramThe Department of Education (ED, Department) issued a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2022 for the Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program. The Upward Bound (UB) Program is one of seven programs collectively known as the Federal TRIO Programs. The UB Program is a discretionary grant program that supports projects that provide students with the skills and motivation necessary to complete a program of secondary education and enter into, and succeed, in a program of postsecondary education. The Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program supports projects designed to prepare high school students for postsecondary education programs that lead to careers in the fields of math and science. The deadline to apply is June 3, 2022. For more information on how to apply, click here. Grant Opportunity: Veterans Upward Bound ProgramThe Department of Education (Department, ED) issued a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2022 for the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program. The Upward Bound (UB) Program is one of seven programs collectively known as the Federal TRIO Programs. The UB Program is a discretionary grant program that supports projects that provide students with the skills and motivation necessary to complete a program of secondary education and enter into, and succeed, in a program of postsecondary education. The Veteran Upward Bound (VUB) Program supports projects designed to prepare, motivate, and assist military veterans in the development of academic and other skills necessary for acceptance into and success in a program of postsecondary education. The deadline to apply is June 10, 2022. For more information on how to apply, click here. Department of Education Announces Efforts to Strengthen and Protect Rights for Students with DisabilitiesLate last week, the Department of Education (Department, ED) announced its intent to amend regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public and private programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including schools and postsecondary institutions. As part of the development of the proposed amendments to the Section 504 regulations, the Department is soliciting public input. Interested parties may go to www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/ to submit comments. The Department will also hold listening sessions in the coming months. Any comments received may be made available to the public, so commenters should avoid including any personal information that they want to keep confidential. Biden Administration Announces the American Connectivity PlanThis week, President Biden and Vice President Harris announced the official launch of the American Connectivity Plan (ACP). The ACP was established as part of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the bipartisan infrastructure law, to provide eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. As part of the launch, the Biden administration announced they had secured the commitment of 20 leading internet providers to offer ACP-eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost. For more information on the program, you can check out the White House’s Fact Sheet here. You can also read ACCT’s write up on how this program can benefit students, particularly those in rural areas. ACCT NOW is the go-to resource for issues affecting community colleges. Our new website features original reporting and research, as well as of-the-moment legislative updates. ACCT NOW also includes articles, reports, and research from outside sources that benefit the ACCT community. Spread the word. Please encourage your fellow trustees, presidents and colleagues to stay up to date about legislation that affects their community colleges by joining the Latest Action in Washington (LAW) E-Alert network. To join, simply e-mail publicpolicy@acct.org with 'LAW Alert' in the subject of the e-mail. For more community college news from inside the beltway, follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/CCTrustees) or like us Facebook (facebook.com/CCTrustees). Have questions? Contact us with any questions or concerns about public policy and ACCT's advocacy on behalf of two-year colleges and two-year college trustees. ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts are sent to interested ACCT members to keep you up to date on important legislative activities that impact community colleges. If you no longer wish to receive ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts, reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. |