Here are a number of tips for developing a strong proposal:
* Contact educators who have had similar programs funded. Ask for their help, and if
outside your competitive area, they may even share a copy of their proposal. Also,
we’d be happy to help you with the specific TEC product-data and specific product
benefits to help you build a strong proposal.
* Ask the funding administrator to provide specific suggestions to help you develop
your project. While you may want to design your program around your own ideas,
you will want to consider their recommendations and incorporate them where possible.
* Define program goals in terms of realistic outcomes. Accountability is a major
component of all funding decisions, but especially the Perkins Act. Identify your goals in
terms of numbers of students served, cost per student, and tangible results at the end
of the program.
(Example: "Using the RapManUSA 3D Printer Kit, 50 high school students annually will
develop professional engineering STEM-skills that will help their future careers, assist
America’s need for Engineers, and also highlight our School as leading-edge.")
* You must have outside support. Try to gain the endorsement of your supervisor and
administrator. Contact local business leaders and, if possible, obtain their participation
as mentors and guest lecturers for the project. Request letters of support to include as
part of your proposal. Mount a team effort!
* Ask us, here at TEC, for product-collateral and support materials to help you convince
the person making the grant or purchase decisions that such teaching-tools are both
critical and very cost-effective. An appealing proposal will receive more attention.
However, be careful not to "bulk it up" with information or data not appropriate or
relevant. Keep it lean and attractive.
* Comply with State-suggested proposal formats and proposal deadlines.
* Include in your proposal a sense of urgency. If you can dramatize the need for the
program, you improve your funding chances considerably.
The Carl Perkins Fund is a valuable fiscal resource YOU should take real
advantage of, and knowing how it works and how you can benefit will help
you, your Students and your School - and you can share what you know
(and this website / webpage) with other Teachers regionally and nationally.
Please contact us concerning any questions about how you can more easily
purchase any STEM-critical TEC products. We're always here to help!
