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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Program Descriptions

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE

84.255:  Literacy Programs for Prisoners

Objectives:  To assist persons incarcerated in a prison, jail, or detention center to achieve functional literacy. To reduce prisoner recidivism through the development and improvement of life skills necessary for reintegration into society.

PROGRAM AND AWARD FINANCIAL AND INFORMATION CONTACTS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO.
APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS INFORMATION CONTACTS
RELATED PROGRAMS ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS
PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS


84.255 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:  A State correctional agency, a local correctional agency, a State correctional education agency, or a local correctional educational agency may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility:  Individuals incarcerated in adult correctional facilities will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation:  Legal signature by a designated official on the application is required. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

84.255 APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:  This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program.

Application Procedure:  Applications must be prepared and submitted to the Department of Education in accordance with program announcements and established deadlines, which are published in the Federal Register.

Award Procedure:  Applications are reviewed in accordance with regulations at 34 Part 75. After negotiation a notification of award is sent to successful applicants.

Deadlines:  Notice of application deadlines are published in the Federal Register.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:  About 120 to 150 days after deadline for transmitting applications.

Appeals:  Not applicable.

Renewals:  In the case of a multi-year project, funding after the first budget period is subject to availability of funds and the grantee meeting requirements of CFR 75.253.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals:  The following criteria are used in reviewing applications. Each criterion should be addressed. Points are awarded to the extent that evidence in the application satisfies each criterion: (a) Program factors; (b) educational significance; (c) plan of operation; (d) evaluation plan; (e) demonstration and dissemination; (f) key personnel; (g) budget and costs-effectiveness; and (h) adequacy of resources and commitment.

Examples of Funded Projects:  In California, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department received funds to create a three-phase program that addresses basic education (GED or ESL), literacy skills, substance abuse issues, survival and reentry skills, parenting and family dynamics, interpersonal communication, anger management and reducing or eliminating patterns of destructive behavior. Also in California, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department received funds to increase educational offerings to incarcerated inmates and enhance support services available during and after the period of incarceration. The program works in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Regional Occupational Program and the Chaffey Adult School to provide vocational training and Diversified Occupations Training.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  Thirteen awards were made in fiscal year 1999. The average grant was $342,000.

84.255 RELATED PROGRAMS:

  • 84.002 Adult Education: State Grant Program;
  • 84.048 Vocational Education: Basic Grants to States.

84.255 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

The Delaware Life Skills Program consists of a 4-month Life Skills curriculum that serves up to 150 minimum and maximum-security inmates during each of two cycles annually. Over the course of the grants, 826 students enrolled in the program. Of those inmates, 85 percent graduated from the program. The program improved the odds of an inmate's successful reintegration into the community. Female participants in the life skills program, within 2 years after their release, recidivated at a rate of 15 percent as compared to a 50 percent recidivism rate for the comparison group.

84.255 FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:

Federal Agency:  OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL AND ADULT EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Type of Assistance:  Project Grants.

Obligations:  (Grants) FY 99 $4,723,000; FY 00 est $5,000,000; and FY 01 est $0.

Budget Account Number:  91-0400-0-1-501.

Authorization:  National Literacy Act of 1991, Section 601.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature:  Title 34 CFR Part 75; EDGAR, Parts 74, 76, 77, 79, 80, 82, 85, and, 86 apply.

84.255 INFO CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:  None.

Headquarters Office:  Division of National Programs, Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20202-7242. Contact: Richard L. Smith. Phone: (202) 205-5621. Internet: Richard_Smith@ed.gov.

(See Appendix IV for more contact info.)

84.255 ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:  This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:  The total project period may not exceed three years.

Uses and Use Restrictions:  Funds can be used to provide grants to State and/or local correctional agencies or correctional educational agencies to: (1) Establish programs that will assist incarcerated adults achieve functional literacy; or (2) assist in the development and operation of programs designed to reduce prisoner recidivism through the development and improvement of life skills necessary for reintegration into society.

84.255 POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:  Financial status and performance reports as required by the Department of Education General Administrative Regulations at 34 CFR 75.720 must be maintained. Specific reporting requirements are contained in the award document.

Audits:  Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's system of financial management and internal control to meet the terms and conditions of the grant.

Records:  In accordance with Section 443 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended by the Improving America's Schools Act, grantees must maintain records for 3 years.

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Last Updated, November, 2000             Comments or Questions?           ©Grant Community.com 2000, All Rights Reserved