Request For Proposals: School-Community Summer Program Partnerships

The Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives (DCI) is seeking proposals for school-community partnerships. Through this opportunity, DCI intends to increase the number of available summer programming slots in Allegheny County for children completing kindergarten through seventh grade.

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DCI is interested in funding opportunities that create or strengthen school-community summer program partnerships in the Allegheny County communities that need them the most. DCI envisions funding a variety of proposals including, but not limited to:

  • Start-up and operating costs to build a summer program in a community that lacks them, including costs associated with creating a school-community partnership, such as staffing, transportation, enrollment, and other coordination efforts.

  • Funding for elementary and/or middle schools to expand work in summer partnership(s) with community-based organizations OR for community-based organizations to expand work in summer partnership(s) with schools.

  • Systems-building efforts that result in additional school-community summer program slots. Programming should be responsive to the needs of the community and provide engaging activities that encourage regular enrollment and consistent attendance. The program should be easily accessible to all families and include a comprehensive schedule with limited barriers to attendance. 

A successful proposal must describe a plan for marketing and establishing formal referral pathways from the community and other partners. Proposers must design their proposed programming to serve a diverse population with an explicit focus on equitable access for all children, including English learners, children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), children with medical or behavioral health needs, and families with transportation challenges. 

There is no limit to the total budget that applicants may propose; however, all costs must be justified and explained.

Apply

Access the RFP. Proposals are due November 29, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.

To view this RFP, submit questions, and/or submit a proposal, you must first register on Bonfire. If you have any questions or need assistance during the registration process, reach out to Bonfire Support via email at support@gobonfire.com.

Julianna Rios