REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bridges to College Grants 2015-2016
July 28, 2015
PROPOSAL DEADLINE:
August 31, 2015
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
One Ashburton Place, Room 1401
Boston, MA 02108
Bridges to College RFP, 2015-16
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Request for Proposals for 2015-2016
Bridges to College Grants
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) OVERVIEW
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) is issuing an RFP for Bridges to College (BTC)
grants to support adult college transition services to increase the number of low-income,
underrepresented, entry-level adult workers who enter and complete postsecondary education.
The total funding available is $237,000. Depending on the proposals received, the DHE will award two
grants ($118,500 each) or three grants ($79,000). Applicants are welcome to apply for either a $79,000
or $118,000 grant. Those applying for the $118,000 grant should make clear in their application how
program activities would be budgeted at both the $79,000 and $118,000 level. Funds must be expended
by August 31, 2015.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Adult basic education providers, including local education agencies, community-based organizations,
community colleges and correctional facilities, are eligible to apply for this grant. Providers must have
achieved recognized success in bridging academic gaps of underserved adult learner populations, with
this work leading to college entrance, retention, and completion.
BRIDGES TO COLLEGE (BTC) PURPOSE AND PRIORITIES
The DHE will fund adult college transition programs already in existence with a proven track record of
commitment and success in serving the target population. The grant is not meant to replace existing
program funding, but rather to complement and expand the reach and impact of existing programs so
that more adult learners have the opportunity to prepare for, enter, and succeed in obtaining the
necessary skills and postsecondary credentials to compete in the workforce. Applicants who received
an FY15 BTC grant may use some or all funding to continue initiatives begun through that initial grant
Applicants should discuss how BTC funds support the scalability of existing programs, as well as discuss
plans for sustainability.
Authorized Activities/Services:
1) Academic Preparation for College (grant focus)
a) Activities that increase adult learners’ ability to successfully enter and complete creditbearing coursework required for a postsecondary degree, including tutoring, mentoring,
and basic academic and soft skill instruction;
b) Activities to improve adult learners’ preparedness for postsecondary placement
examinations and/or degree program prerequisites;
Bridges to College RFP, 2015-16
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c) Activities to improve adult learners’ preparedness for degrees in high demand fields
such as STEM, Health Care, and Business and Finance.
2) Outreach and Support (eligible related activities)
a) Provide information to adult learners on postsecondary education benefits,
opportunities, planning, and career preparation;
b) Conduct outreach activities for students who may be at risk of not enrolling in or
completing college;
c) Assist in applying to institutions of higher education via the application and admissions
process;
d) Assist adult students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
and obtaining scholarship opportunities;
e) Provide activities for adult students prior to entering college, to bridge the gap between
high school/GED or workforce and college. Examples of activities may include
opportunities to build relationships and network with other students, faculty and staff,
as well as familiarize with prospective college’s campus and campus resources.
f) Provide continued assistance with completing college and career requirements via
coaching/counseling and case-management (e.g. assistance with reapplying for FAFSA
and enrolling into courses, career mapping and internship assistance, connecting adults
with resources in and off campus to further their capacity and ability to complete their
education and move into the workforce, etc.)
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Awardees must prepare and deliver to the DHE two reports regarding its progress in achieving the
proposed project objectives, which will be sent by the DHE to the House and Senate Committees on
Ways and Means, the Joint Committee on Education, and the Joint Committee on Higher Education:


Mid- Year Progress Report: due January 13, 2016
Final Evaluation Report: due August 31, 2016
Reports shall include an updated budget and narrative to provide details of how the funds were
allocated and expended. Program awardees shall report on adult learners served by the grants,
detailing the successful transition of beneficiaries to college, and providing an evaluation of the program
and its impact on student achievement, particularly as it relates to closing achievement gaps.
Awardees shall provide a site visit opportunity for the Director of the Bridges to College Program, and
participate in one statewide grantee meeting during the course of the grant year for the purposes of
cross-program sharing and professional development.
FUNDING TIMELINE
The announcement of awards will be made in late September 2015. Projects will commence upon
approval of the Interagency Service Agreement (for awards to public colleges) or the Standard Contract
Bridges to College RFP, 2015-16
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(for awards to community-based, non-profit organizations). Disbursement of funds is contingent upon
an approved Interagency Service Agreement or Standard Contract.
Bridges to College Grant Program Timetable
Description
Date
Application Released
Proposal Due Date
July 28, 2015
August 31, 2015 by 5:00pm
Announcement of Awards
Late September 2015
Commencement of Program Activities
October 2015
Mid- Year Progress Report
January 13, 2016
Completion of Program Activities, Final Report
August 31, 2016
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
All applications must be submitted by mail and electronically by emailing a Microsoft Word (.doc)
document to mmizzoni@bhe.mass.edu not later than 5:00pm on August 31, 2015.
Applicants must mail four (4) hardcopies to:
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Att: Michael Mizzoni/ Bridges to College
One Ashburton Place, Room 1401. Boston ,MA 02108
Notes:
 Applications must be submitted in the
format/forms provided.
 Applications should not exceed 10 pages,
including cover sheet and attachments.
 12 point font, Times New Roman, Calibri or
Ariel type font, double-spaced.
Bridges to College RFP, 2015-16
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RFP for Bridges to College grants
Deadline: August 31, 2015
COVER PAGE—do not exceed one page
Program Name:
Communities Served (list specific target cities/towns):
Program Partners (if applicable):
Authorizing Agent:
Organization/Institution:
Name: _____________________________
____________________________________
Title: ______________________________
Mailing Address
Telephone: _________________________
____________________________________
Fax: _______________________________
____________________________________
E-mail: _____________________________
Total Bridges to College (BTC) Funds Requested (check all that apply): Applicants are welcome to apply for
one, or more than one funding level. Those applying for more than one level should make clear in their
application how program activities would be scaled at larger funding levels.
____ $79,000
____ $118,000
Current Program Annual Budget (without BTC funding): $
Description of Primary Population to be Served:
I certify that the information reported herein is accurate and complete.
Authorized Agent Signature: __________________________________
Date: ________________________
Bridges to College RFP, 2015-16
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I.
ABSTRACT
Write a one-page (or less) abstract that describes the following: (a) organization and communities
proposed to be served, (b) principal objectives, (c) target population (e.g., ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, educational/workforce levels), including projected number of individuals to be served;
and (d) proposed project activities and services to increase adult college access to and success in higher
education.
II.
PROJECT NARRATIVE
The Project Narrative should not exceed 3 double-spaced pages. This is the maximum length permitted;
shorter, more concise narratives are encouraged.
Provide a detailed description of the proposed project which addresses the following:
 statement of the need for the project;
 overview of the project;
 project objectives, stated in measurable terms with outcomes;
 major project activities/services with specific details showing how each is designed to meet the
BTC program goals and objectives;
 a description of the target population – please provide a demographic breakdown (e.g.,
ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, educational levels – high school/GED, workforce
status, etc.); include projected number of individuals to be served;
 a description of previous experience in implementing successful adult learner college transition
services and related activities for the target population; include unduplicated number of
individuals/entities served;
 a description of how funds through this program will be used to scale up/increase the reach and
impact of your existing program. For applicants who were not awarded a Bridges to College
Grant in FY15, funding should augment, not replace, existing funding. For those who received an
FY15 Bridges to College grant, funding may continue and/or augment FY15 Bridges to College
funded initiatives;
 statement on plans for sustainability beyond the BTC funding.
If you are applying for both levels of funding ($79,000 and $118,000), please indicate how the project
will alter with the increased funding amount.
III.
Expected Impact and Project Evaluation
Provide details on your intended evaluation plan to determine program impact. Please describe:
 how this project will affect adult learner knowledge and preparation for college transition, as
well as the impact it will have on adult learners’ ability to succeed in college;
 how the project will be evaluated to determine whether or not the stated goals and objectives
are met;
 any data collection and overall summative evaluation plan.
 All evaluation plans should focus on project outcomes rather than inputs.
If you are applying for both levels of funding ($79,000 and $118,000), please indicate how the expected
impact will differ at each level.
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IV.
Implementation plan
Describe the plan for implementation should you receive funding, including:
 roles and responsibilities of project personnel, how the project director will make performance
information available to the DHE, and stakeholders;
 a timetable indicating the implementation and completion dates of all proposed activities and
related services; you may use the suggested table below but are not required to.
If you are applying for both levels of funding ($79,000 and $118,000), please indicate how
implementation will alter with increased funding amount(s).
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Table. Using the suggested table below, describe specific anticipated tasks, activities, outcomes and
timeline as applicable. When discussing outcome/results, include benchmark data. The table should
reflect stated activities, goals and strategies as described above. Feel free to adjust the table to
share additional information or better illustrate your implementation strategy.
Activities/Services
[Actions]
Current
Benchmark
Data
Anticipated
Outcome
[Results]
Total
Anticipated
Beneficiaries
Timeline
(when you will
implement activity)
V.
Budget and Narrative
Please complete the following table with a breakdown of the requested funding from the DHE. Please
provide a Budget Narrative that includes calculations and breakdowns of budget amounts, description of
budget items and describes any materials. Provide a detailed explanation of any contracted services
that are included.
If you are applying for more than one level of funding, please indicate how project will alter with
increased funding amount (s).
Total Requested Funds
1) Salaries:
Administrator Salaries
Staff Salaries: Instructional &
Professional
Staff Support
2) Fringe Benefits
3) Travel
4) Supplies and Materials
5) Subcontracts
6) Consultants
7) Other Costs:
(Please specify)
(Please specify)
(Please specify)
8) Tuition and Fees for Students
9) Equipment
TOTALS
Budget Narrative
Massachusetts Bridges to College Program 2015-2016
RFP
VI.

Attachments
Letter(s) of Agreement/Reference – Provide letters of agreement or reference from any entity
directly involved in or expected to benefit from the activities and services provided under this
grant, such as schools, institutions of higher education, or any other agency collaborating as a
partner under this proposed project that will assist in the provision of services to promote adult
student access and success in higher education.

Bio for Personnel – Attach a brief bio (1-2 paragraphs) of project staff. Include project manager
and other essential staff providing direct services to students and parents under this grant.

Additional Material – Use this section to attach any material that is relevant to this proposal.
Entire proposal must not exceed 10 pages.
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