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 26 grant-funded 21st CCLC programs operating 45 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 January 15 and is available online. The Department anticipates receiving applications from local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities seeking awards under this RFP.
Qualifications:
Peer reviewers will be selected for their experience in providing effective academic, enrichment, youth development, and related support services for children and youth. The most qualified reviewers will be individuals who have experience in the administration of high-quality youth development programs within schools and communities. Examples of the experienced individuals sought include, but are not limited to:
- 21st CCLC program directors and site coordinators
- Teachers and principals
- College and university staff
- Youth development workers
- Community service providers
Please note that an applicant or member of an applicant’s organization will not be selected to serve as a member of the Department’s peer review team.
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 three (3) 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) | Time(s) |
| Participate in an online training webinar | April 19, 2018 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Review grant applications through a web-based system and provide individual, written comments on each application (which MUST be turned in to the Department) | April 27, 2018 – May 18, 2018 | Any Time |
| Participate in on-site consensus scoring sessions which will be located at the Maine Department of Education in Augusta, ME | May 22, 2018; May 23, 2018 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; 9:00 AM – Finished |
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.
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 as well as future grant writing efforts. Most importantly, the time given to this effort will be of great benefit the children and families of Maine.
How to Apply: Interested parties must contact Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov to obtain a copy of the 2018 peer reviewer application and then return the completed application along with a current resume or CV.
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:
The Maine Department of Education will be accepting peer reviewer applications on a rolling basis until March 22, 2018 or until the needed positions are filled. Interested parties are encourage to submit applicants as soon as possible.
Contact: For more information, contact Federal Grant Coordinator, Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov or 624-6709.