Chancellor Resumes Search for Proposals to Expand Adult Workforce

							For Immediate Release
April 3, 2009


Contact:       Michael Chaney, Chief Communications Officer, Ohio Board of Regents
               Office: 614-752-9480 Cell: 614-633-5909
               Email: mchaney@regents.state.oh.us



 Chancellor Resumes Search for Proposals to Expand Adult
       Workforce Education and Training Network
Wants more choices for adults seeking GEDs and college preparation, literacy
                         and basic education skills

COLUMBUS – Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut has resumed a competitive
grant process that will award state and federal funds to providers of adult basic and literacy
education (ABLE) services. Two requests for proposals (RFPs) have been issued seeking bids
from local education agencies and public and private nonprofit agencies, including community-
based organizations, volunteer literacy organizations, institutions of higher education, libraries,
public housing authorities, and other nonprofit agencies. The intent of the RFPs is to establish a
network of adult literacy providers to offer adults a variety of options to pursue basic skills, English
language acquisition, and General Educational Development (GED) preparation. Transitions to
post-secondary education, training and employment are also required services. The Chancellor
wants to offer classes on and off college campuses and in a variety of formats, including distance
learning.

“In order for Ohio to compete with leading states and nations, we must continuously improve the
educational attainment level of Ohio’s workforce,” said Chancellor Fingerhut. “With the transfer of
the adult workforce education and training network to the University System of Ohio, ABLE
programs play a key role in providing a network of adult education programs focused on helping
adults become college ready. This competitive grant process ensures that adults will have access
to high-quality programs in a wider range of locations, offering alternative paths to college.”

Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) Instructional Grant
The ABLE Instructional Grant establishes programs that assist adults in developing literacy skills
necessary for employment and self-sufficiency; obtaining educational skills necessary to become
full partners in the educational development of their children; and achieving the educational skills
necessary for completion of a secondary level of education.

Estimated available funds:     $17.3 million, including $1.2 million for correctional education and
                               $150,000 for distance education

English Literacy and Civics (EL/Civics) Education Grant
The primary purpose of the EL/Civics Education Grant is to provide limited English proficient
adults with English literacy education that integrates civics instruction on understanding and
navigating American government and public education systems, the workplace and other key
American institutions.

Estimated available funds:     $792, 864

Timeline
The ABLE Instructional Grant RFP and English Literacy and Civics Education Grant RFP require
that all proposals be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2009, in order to be considered for
funding.

The RFPs will be discussed during a “Bidders Videoconference” on April 21, 2009, at various
County Department of Job and Family Service offices throughout the state. Potential providers
can view the videoconference from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Bidders Videoconference provides
an opportunity to review and discuss the RFPs, and provides proposing agencies and
organizations the chance to ask questions about the RFPs and process.

Additional information about the RFPs, as well as information on how to register for the Bidders
Videoconferences can be found at www.uso.edu/network/workforce/rfps.

FY 2010 ABLE Instructional Grant and the English Literacy and Civics Education Grant Timelines

          Date                                                      Event

   Friday, April 3, 2009    Request for Proposals Released


                            Bidders Videoconference for Interested Parties:
  Tuesday, April 21, 2009
                                o   At various County Department of Job and Family Services offices
                                o   10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. all counties
                                o   Registration information will be posted at www.uso.edu/network/workforce/rfps



   Friday, May 15, 2009     Proposals Due by 5 p.m.


  Tuesday, May 26, 2009     EL/Civics Grant Reading, State Library, Columbus, OH


 Thursday, May 28, 2009     ABLE Instructional Grant Reading, State Library, Columbus, OH


   Friday, May 29, 2009     ABLE Instructional Grant Reading, State Library, Columbus, OH


   Friday, June 12, 2009    Notification of Accepted Proposals


  Week of June 22, 2009     Meeting with New Grantees


 Wednesday, July 1, 2009    Grant Authorization Completed



ABLE Instructional Innovative Partnership RFP
An additional RFP will be released in late spring/early summer that will solicit proposals that
develop innovative partnerships between ABLE providers and other members of the University
System of Ohio. Successful applicants will begin implementation in fall 2009, with programs
continuing through June 30, 2010. Estimated available funds through this RFP are $2 million.

About the Ohio Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program
The Ohio Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) programs, along with the Adult Workforce
Education Centers, transferred from the Ohio Department of Education to the Ohio Board of
Regents on January 1, 2009. They are an integral part of the University System of Ohio, which
consists of 14 universities, 24 regional branch campuses, 23 community colleges and now more
than 200 adult workforce centers and ABLE programs. Together, they form the most
comprehensive public system of higher education in the nation.


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