Distinguished Arts Program (DAP)

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), through its Office of Federal and State Accountability, administers the 2024–25 Migrant Education Program (MEP) Subgrant under Title I, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This program aims to support high-quality, comprehensive educational programs for migratory children and youth that address their unique educational challenges and ensure continuity in academic progress despite frequent relocations. The MEP subgrant is specifically designed to help migratory students meet the same rigorous academic standards as their peers, increase graduation rates, and access wraparound services that mitigate barriers to learning. The SCDE will award an estimated total of $250,000 to approximately four subgrantees in this funding cycle. Eligible applicants include local educational agencies (LEAs) and public or private nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate the capacity to serve migratory students in the areas identified in the state's migratory student count from September 1, 2022, to August 30, 2023. The program supports both school-year and summer/intercession services, with allowable start dates beginning June 1, 2024, and all funds required to be obligated by September 30, 2025. Final program evaluations and liquidation of funds must be completed by December 30, 2025. Applicants must implement programs offering direct supplemental instructional services and support services, including reading and math instruction, school readiness programming, family literacy, career awareness workshops, and services for out-of-school youth (OSY). Programs must be grounded in the SCDE’s Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) and aligned to the state’s measurable program outcomes (MPOs) across four goal areas: English language arts, mathematics, school readiness and family engagement, and graduation/credit accrual/dropout prevention. Subgrantees are expected to deliver at least 120 program hours, of which 100 must be instructional, and adhere to evaluation protocols such as pre- and post-assessments and MIS2000 data tracking. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on June 7, 2024, and must be submitted online using the official SCDE portal. The application consists of multiple sections, including evidence of capacity, narrative plans for serving priority-for-service (PFS) students, program strategies aligned to state MPOs, a General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) statement, and budget materials. Required attachments include the MEP director’s résumé, a private school consultation form, a budget narrative, a signed certification page, and a pre-award audit questionnaire. A technical assistance session was offered on May 20, 2024, and participation, though not required, was strongly recommended. Applications will be reviewed for completeness, compliance with program requirements, and alignment with state and federal mandates. In cases of overlapping service proposals for the same LEA, applications will be scored by three SCDE reviewers, and the highest average score will determine funding priority. Evaluation will also consider prior grant performance and financial accountability. All awards are contingent upon SCDE’s final approval and the availability of federal funds. Subgrantees will receive grant payments on a cost-reimbursement basis and are expected to maintain three months of operating funds due to processing time for reimbursements. For additional information or technical questions, applicants can contact Zachary Taylor at 803-391-9393 or [email protected]. The official RFA and required application templates are provided via SCDE’s Migrant Education Program page, with submission instructions and compliance expectations clearly detailed in the guidelines. The program emphasizes collaboration with other educational and community resources to support the holistic development and success of migratory children and youth in South Carolina.

Align program components with SCDE MPOs and CNA strategy; document PFS student service plans; ensure compliance with data and evaluation protocols.