STARTALK 2008 - Invitation for Proposals for Summer Programs

Dear Colleague:

The National Foreign Language Center solicits proposals from eligible schools, post-secondary institutions, or community-based organizations to participate in the STARTALK project. STARTALK is part of a federal initiative to enhance the national capacity for critical need languages. The goal of this STARTALK program is to increase the number and expertise of students and teachers in critical languages. For information about the initiative, see http://exchanges.state.gov/NSLI/fact_sheet.pdf

In the summer of 2008, the STARTALK project will provide funding for summer programs that fall into the following categories:

• offer Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Persian, and/or Urdu language study for middle and/or high school students;
• offer professional development opportunities for current or prospective teachers of these languages at levels kindergarten through undergraduate college.

As a general rule, awards will range up to $100,000 according to the number of participants and nature of programs provided. STARTALK funding must be used to create new programs or to expand and/or enhance existing programs; it cannot be used to replace current program funding. The NFLC will provide consultation and advice, as well as planning seminars, for programs selected for funding.

For student programs, applicants must demonstrate

• prior success in running summer foreign language programs (although not necessarily in these languages);
• the proposed activity is an expansion and/or enhancement of an existing program rather than a replacement for other funding;
• the capability to offer meaningful summer language learning experiences for middle and high school students in a safe and culturally rich environment;
• the ability to serve middle and/or high school students from different backgrounds and language abilities; and
• the capacity to present effective programs in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Persian, and/or Urdu.

Please refer to page 2 of the Invitation for Proposals for more information on eligibility, criteria, and priorities for student programs.

For teacher programs, applicants must demonstrate

• evidence of success in previous years offering summer institutes or courses;
• that the proposed activity is an expansion and/or enhancement of an existing program or an entirely new program, rather than a replacement for other funding;
• curriculum geared toward enabling Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Persian, and/or Urdu language teachers to gain or improve linguistic or pedagogical skills; and
• applicability of courses to state certification or licensure requirements, and/or applicability of workshops to improving teacher effectiveness.

Please refer to page 3 of the Invitation for Proposals for more information on eligibility, criteria, and priorities for teacher programs.

Information on the STARTALK proposal and selection criteria is attached. If you have a question about the application process, please submit it in writing to startalk@nflc.org, no later than Friday, December 7, 2007. Responses will be posted at http://startalk.umd.edu/2008/ProposalsFAQ on December 12, 2007

All applications must be postmarked by December 21, 2007. Application documents include the following:

• STARTALK Preliminary Proposal Cover Sheet (attached);
• a five-page proposal describing proposed activities; and
• the Budget Worksheet (attached).

Please note that STARTALK programs will be required to send at least 2 representatives to the Washington, DC area for pre- and post-program meetings. The prime contractor will cover the cost for these meetings.

If you propose activities in more than one language, or you propose to serve both teachers and students, please indicate the cost per language and/or per participant groups served.

The application may be submitted via e-mail to startalk@nflc.org or mailed (four copies) to:

Sincerely,

Catherine Ingold
Director, NFLC