The Maine Department of Education is seeking qualified peer reviewers to read, assess and score competitive grant proposals for the 21st Century Community Leaning Centers (21st CCLC) Program. This federally-funded grant program provides opportunities for schools and communities to develop “community learning centers” that serve children and youth during out-of-school time. Maine currently has 34 current grant-funded 21st CCLC programs operating 59 individual centers in communities across the state. Grant proposals for the 21st CCLC program will be evaluated through a formal peer review process, which will ensure that quality applications are selected for funding.
This year’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 21st CCLC program was released to the public on February 21 and is available online at: https://www.4pcamaine.org/century21/FY2017/. The Department anticipates receiving applications for new, expansion, and continuation awards as a result of this competition.
Qualifications:
The most qualified reviewers will be individuals who are familiar and have experience with high-quality youth programs in schools and communities. Examples of the experienced individuals sought include, but are not limited to:
- Experts in expanded-learning opportunities
- Teachers and principals
- College and university faculty
- Community educators
- Community service providers
- Staff from faith-based organizations
- Staff from foundations and charitable organizations
Required Tasks:
Selected peer reviewers will work individually to read each assigned application and create detailed, objective, constructive, and well-written comments on approximately 10-15 applications on the basis of the criteria established in the RFP. These comments will be turned in to the Department prior to participating in on-site consensus scoring sessions. Reviewers must be able to participate in an online training webinar and review grant applications through a web-based system. It is anticipated that peer reviewers will have a two (2) week window in which to complete their individual review of assigned applications. Following the individual review of applications, each peer reviewer will be required to travel to the Maine Department of Education for two scheduled scoring days. It is during these consensus scoring sessions that each peer reviewer will work with the other members of the peer review team to score each application.
Selected peer reviewers must complete the following tasks during the following date(s):
| Task | Date(s) |
| Participate in an online training webinar | April 25, 2017 |
| Review grant applications through a web-based system and provide individual, written comments on each application (which MUST be turned in to the Department) | May 5, 2017 – May 19, 2016 |
| Participate in on-site consensus scoring sessions which will be located at the Maine Department of Education in Augusta, ME | May 23 – 24, 2016 |
Compensation for Services: Peer reviewers who complete the required tasks will be reimbursed for travel costs to and from the consensus scoring sessions as well as provided a $75 honorarium per assigned application review, up to a maximum of 15 applications.
Previous peer reviewers have found that serving as a member of the peer review team is an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth. It is likely that, if selected, reviewers will be exposed to new program models, strategies, and practices. These new concepts may provide ideas and support for ongoing work in the field as well as future grant writing efforts. Most importantly, the time given to this effort will be of great benefit the children of Maine.
How to Apply: A peer reviewer application is available by contacting Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov. The Maine Department of Education will accept applications and resumes on a rolling basis until the needed positions are filled.
Pursuant to Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, peer reviewers may not include any applicant, or representative of an applicant, that has or will be submitting a proposal in response to the current competition.
Deadline:
All interested parties must submit a completed peer reviewer application and current resume or CV by April 12, 2017.
Contact: For more information, contact Federal Grant Coordinator, Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov or 624-6709.0%