New Era Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program (RTP)

Post Date

June 5th 2009

Application Due Date

July 20th 2009

Funding Opportunity Number

USDA-CSREES-RTP-002295

CFDA Number(s)

10.314

Funding Instrument Type(s)

Grant

Funding Activity Categories

Agriculture
Education
Employment, Labor and Training
Energy
Environment

Number of Awards

25

Eligibility Categories

Other

Applications may be submitted by either: (1) public or private nonprofit community colleges, or (2) advanced technological centers, either of which must: a.be located in a rural area (see definition in Part VIII, E.); b.have been in existence as of June 18, 2008; c.participate in agricultural or bioenergy research and applied research; d.have a proven record of development and implementation of programs to meet the needs of students, educators, and business and industry to supply the agriculture-based, renewable energy or pulp and paper manufacturing fields with certified technicians, as determined by the Secretary; and e.have the ability to leverage existing partnerships and occupational outreach and training programs for secondary schools, 4-year institutions, and relevant nonprofit organizations.

Funding

• Estimated Total Funding:

  $750000

• Award Range:

  $10000 - $300000

Grant Description

Purpose: The RTP will make grants available for technology development, applied research, and/or training, with a focus on rural communities, to aid in the development of a workforce for bioenergy, pulp and paper manufacturing, or agriculture-based renewable energy. Please refer to Part VIII (E) of this RFA for definitions relevant to this program. Priorities: The RTP shall give preference to eligible entities working in partnership within rural communities: • to improve information-sharing capacity; • to maximize the ability to meet the requirements of this RFA; • to address Evaluation Criteria found in Part V. B. of this RFA; and • to address the following two RTP Program Goals: 1. To increase the number of students encouraged to pursue and complete a 2-year postsecondary degree, or a certificate of completion, within an occupational focus of this grant program; and 2. To assist rural communities by helping students achieve their career goals to develop a viable workforce for bioenergy, pulp and paper manufacturing, or agriculture-based renewable energy.

Contact Information

• Agency

  Department of Agriculture

• Office:

  CSREES

• Agency Contact:

  CSREES Help Desk
  Phone: 202-401-5048
  Business hours are M-F, 7:00 am -5:00 pm ET,
  

• Agency Mailing Address:

  For questions regarding this RFA.

• Agency Email Address:

  electronic@csrees.usda.gov

• More Information:

  New Era Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program (RTP) RFA