The Maine Department of Education is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in learning more about the competitive grant process. Selected applicants will be trained to serve as peer reviewers who assist the Department in to reviewing, assessing, and scoring competitive grant proposals for the 21st Century Community Leaning Centers (21st CCLC) Program. The 21st CCLC program is a federally funded education program that provides competitive funding for schools and communities to develop before-school, after-school, and summer educational programs that support students and their families.
This year’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 21st CCLC program was released to the public on January 6 and is available online at: https://www.4pcamaine.org/century21/FY2021/. The Department anticipates receiving proposals from local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities seeking awards under this RFP.
Qualifications:
Applicants will be selected based on their experience in providing effective academic support, enrichment, youth development, and related support services for children and youth. The most qualified candidates 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 resource 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 applicants must be able to participate in an online training webinar and review grant applications through a web-based system. Applicants will work individually to read each assigned application and create detailed, objective, constructive, and well-written comments on approximately 10-15 applications based on the criteria established in the RFP. These comments will be submitted to the Department prior to participating in the scheduled consensus scoring sessions. 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 successful applicant will be required to participate in a series of two (2) online/virtual consensus scoring sessions hosted by the Department. It is during these consensus scoring sessions that the peer review team will score each application.
Selected applicants must complete the following tasks during the following date(s):
| Task | Date(s) | Time(s) |
| Participate in an online training webinar | March 30, 2021 | 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 submitted to the Department) | April 8, 2021 – April 28, 2021 | Any Time |
| Participate in online/virtual consensus scoring sessions with other members of the peer review team (applicants MUST be available all four scoring days, but will only be selected to participate for two days) | April 29, 2021 – April 30, 2021; or May 4, 2020 – May 5, 2020 |
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Compensation for Services:
Selected reviewers who complete the required tasks will be provided an honorarium of $85 per assigned application.
Previous participants have also 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, applicants 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 help ensure the funding of quality education programs for 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 2021 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, who has or will submit a proposal in response to the current competition.
Deadline:
The Maine Department of Education will continue accepting peer reviewer applications through March 4, 2021, or until the needed positions are filled. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Contact:
For more information, contact State Coordinator, Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov or 624-6709.