$1 Million Grant Opportunity to Support Mississippi’s Postsecondary Attainment Goal
Now Accepting Proposals
The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) is now accepting applications for a four-year, million-dollar grant opportunity in support of Mississippi’s newly established postsecondary attainment goal.
In October 2020, Mississippi’s Education Achievement Council (EAC) passed a resolution to adopt a postsecondary attainment goal for the state of Mississippi. In that resolution, they established two goals:
By 2030, Mississippi will increase the postsecondary attainment of its workforce to 55%. By 2035, Mississippi will increase the postsecondary attainment of its workforce to 60%.
Now, WHEF is seeking proposals from Mississippi organizations capable of coordinating and supporting the work needed for the state to reach the Ascent to 55% Attainment Goal.
Coordination of Work for Ascent to 55% Responsibilities will include:
Work with the EAC, WHEF, and other partners/sectors to craft and adopt a strategy to implement the attainment goal.
Develop an appropriate structure through which key partners can provide direction for this work.
Establish and build relationships with top leaders at the regional, state, and national levels in the business, K-20 education, government, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors.
Convene key stakeholders to identify areas of responsibility, goals, and potential tactics.
Educate policymakers and decision makers about opportunities to lower barriers to student success.
Implement a public awareness campaign about the importance of attainment.
Develop and implement a long-range funding and sustainability plan.
Ensure that goals of inclusiveness and diversity are met.
Oversee data collection and dashboard creation and maintenance, in partnership with other organizations, in order to track statewide progress toward the attainment goal.
“While increasing postsecondary educational attainment in the state is the responsibility of all Mississippi stakeholders, the selected organization will lead in the coordination of this effort,” said WHEF Program Officer Shanell Watson.
To obtain the official RFP, interested applicants may visit woodwardhines.org. Questions about eligibility, the application process, or project components may be emailed to ascentto55@woodwardhines.org.
KEY DATES Sunday August 8, 2021: Application opens
Monday August 23, 2021: Informational webinar
Thursday September 30, 2021: Application closes
December 2021: Decisions announced
