U.S. Conference of Mayors
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and USA Funds will award grants totaling $150,000 to recognize excellence in mayor-led programs that provide a more purposeful path for America’s students to and through college and on to rewarding careers and successful lives. The two organizations are extending their partnership for a second year to support the National Education Pathways With a Purpose grant competition.
The 2016 program will award $100,000 to a large city with a population greater than 500,000; $40,000 to a medium-sized city with a population between 200,000 and 500,000; $10,000 to a small city. Initial applications are due on or before March 31, 2016. The winner in each category will be announced during the 84th Annual Conference of Mayors, June 24-17 in Indianapolis.
“With the increasing skill demands of the 21st century workplace, mayors are particularly concerned that all students graduate from high school fully prepared for college and careers,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “This grant opportunity with USA Funds, focused on college and career readiness, will highlight our ongoing and excellent work to ensure that America’s students are provided high quality education and strong, foundational standards in school as well as rigorous career and technical education programs and college completion goals.”
“The nation’s mayors recognize that a well-educated citizenry is critical to their communities’ economic and social well-being,” said USA Funds President and CEO William D. Hansen. “In keeping with our focus on Completion With a Purpose to promote student success in college and careers, USA Funds is delighted to continue and expand our partnership with USCM to highlight and encourage other cities to adopt programs that connect education to rewarding careers.”
The grant competition will recognize mayor-led programs that include some or all of the following components:
- Enhance student persistence in and completion of postsecondary education or training programs.
- Enhance employment of graduates of post-secondary education or training programs in high-value occupations.
- Support better alignment of education and training programs with workforce needs, while enhancing the dialogue between employers and education providers.
- Promote innovations that help students get through high-quality education and training programs quicker, at less cost and with better prospects for rewarding careers.
- Support initiatives that help disadvantaged students graduate from high school with the tools they need to succeed in college and on the job, including programs that provide students with work experience opportunities during their years in school.
- Use data to help students and families, policymakers, employers and educational institutions make better education and workforce decisions.
For program abstracts from the 2015 grant winners and finalists, visit www.usafunds.org/pathways. For more information on the National Education Pathways with a Purpose Grant Awards program, contact Kathy Wiggins at kwiggins@usmayors.org