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Excelsior Scholars Programs for Grade Seven Mathematics and Science Students

Questions and Answers

Question #1.  

Where do we mail our grant application?

Answer #1.

The grant applications must be postmarked by Feb. 4, 2008 and mailed to:

New York State Education Department
Grants Management
Room 676 EBA
Albany, NY 12234

Question #2.  

What agencies are eligible to receive this grant funding?

Answer #2.

Only public and independent colleges and universities in New York State are eligible.  Consortia of colleges and universities may apply.  One member of the consortium must be the applicant and lead fiscal agent.

Question #3.  

Is it expected that the proposed summer workshop is a specific length?

Answer #3.

The proposed summer program must take place between July 1, 2008 and August 31, 2008.  The minimum length of the proposed program should be based on the program’s ability to:

• Enhance student knowledge and understanding of the mathematics and science needed to be competitive in the global economy.
• Include hands-on, real world applications of mathematics and science.
• Provide learning experiences focused on conceptual understandings, procedural fluency and problem solving.
• Integrate 21st century technology into the learning experiences.
• Result in measurable improvement in student academic achievement of the New York State learning standards as included in the core curricula for mathematics and the sciences at the commencement-level.

Question #4.  

Is a one week course offered to multiple regions acceptable, or are you looking for a month to 2 months of instruction with the same students?

Answer #4.

Each proposal will be categorized according to the region it serves.  Proposals related to a program that serves students from more than one region will be assigned to the Statewide funds category ($2,000,000).  This categorization includes proposed programs that would involve students from one region during a specified time and then involve students from a different region during another specified time.

The duration of the proposed program should be based on the program’s ability to:

• Enhance student knowledge and understanding of the mathematics and science needed to be competitive in the global economy.
• Include hands-on, real world applications of mathematics and science.
• Provide learning experiences focused on conceptual understandings, procedural fluency and problem solving.
• Integrate 21st century technology into the learning experiences.
• Result in measurable improvement in student academic achievement of the New York State learning standards as included in the core curricula for mathematics and the sciences at the commencement-level.

Question #5a.

The grant announcement, in talking about districts' responsibilities, states that districts ...."will nominate up to 10% of the school’s eligible grade seven students who have demonstrated" .....

Does that mean that each district nominates no more than 10% of the 7th graders who meet the program specific eligibility criteria - ex. if district A has 40 students who meet either section of the eligibility criteria, they are limited to nominating 4 students?

Answer #5a.

Yes

Question #5b.

Or are they limited to nominating no more than 10% of their seventh grade cohort? Ex district A has 250 youth completing seventh grade, they are limited to nominating no more than 25 students?

Answer #5b.

No. 

School district superintendents and community school district superintendents may nominate up to 10% of the school’s eligible and other high performing grade seven students who have demonstrated distinguished and excellent work in mathematics and science.  First preference must be given to the district’s eligible students and second to other high performing students as defined in Section 100.14 of the Part 100 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

This pool of nominated students shall include equal numbers of male and female students, as practicable.  The applicant college/university must select participating students from those nominated.

Question #6.

I can't tell if proposals that involve a residential experience, over a relatively short time (say a week or two) are considered appropriate.  In our part of the state, it is not practical to bring students in on a daily basis.

Answer #6.

Residential programs are considered appropriate.  The summer program must be at no cost to the participating students, their parents/guardians, or their school districts, including the participating students’ transportation to and from the summer program.