2024 Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund

The DC Leading Educators toward Advanced Degrees (DC LEAD) Program, initiated by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), is a grant opportunity designed to enhance the capabilities of early childhood educators within the District. This program aims to equip these professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and credentials to effectively educate DC's youngest learners. The overarching goal is to significantly increase the number of highly prepared early childhood professionals in the District, thereby improving the quality of early childhood education. The primary beneficiaries of the DC LEAD Program are the early childhood educators in the District of Columbia. The program's impact goals are focused on empowering these educators through advanced degrees and specialized training, leading to a more skilled and credentialed early childhood workforce. The ultimate aim is to create a stronger educational foundation for young children in DC by ensuring they are taught by well-prepared professionals. The program prioritizes a competitive application process, inviting non-profit, for-profit, faith-based community organizations, and postsecondary education institutions to apply. Eligible applicants must demonstrate expertise in early childhood education (ECE), familiarity with existing scholarship programs in DC, and prior experience in financial management and monitoring of scholarships or other awards. OSSE encourages innovative strategies to achieve the program's objectives. The expected outcomes of the DC LEAD Program include an increase in the number of early childhood educators with advanced degrees and credentials, a higher standard of instruction for young learners, and a more robust early childhood education system in DC. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the increase in well-prepared professionals, the program's success will be evident through improved educator qualifications and, consequently, enhanced educational experiences for the District's youngest students. The total funding for this award period is approximately $4.5 million per grant period, with the possibility of multiple awards. The total award period is five years, contingent on fund availability and compliance.