June 24, 2022
MPS is seeking proposals for culturally specific programming focused on three critical areas. Applicants may submit a proposal for funding in ONE of the following proposal categories:
Proposals due: July 22, 2022 no later than 4:00 p.m. Total Amount of funding available: $800,000 Range of awards: $25,000 - $75,000
The District will hold two virtual information sessions where MPS staff will provide an overview of the application and required attachments, and leave time for questions and answers from potential applicants. A session will be recorded and posted online for those who are not able to attend.
The District will hold a virtual technical assistance drop-in session where MPS staff will be available to answer any technical questions applicants may have as they work through their proposal and provide general feedback. Please note that MPS staff will not be able to read and critique your specific application language in these sessions, and the staff participating will not be on any Selection Committees. Attendance at this drop in session will have no bearing on the scoring or selection of proposals.
Questions about this RFP can be directed to esser3@mpls.k12.mn.us or 612-668-0542.
Sign up here to be notified of future ESSER III community partner contracting opportunities.
April 19, 2022 After an incredibly competitive process with very strong applicants, Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) has selected eight community partners to provide summer programming for students during August 2022. The partners will receive funding for their respective programs through federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Act (ESSER) funding.
Read the full press release to learn more about each organization and the ESSER process.
Expenditure Description and ESSER III Budget
Following are investments MPS is making with ESSER III funds:
These funding recommendations aim to address the serious impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Minneapolis Public Schools students.
They align with MPS’ community driven, long-term vision for our district and are grounded in equity, transparency and accountability.
These recommendations were informed by thoughtful feedback received from Minneapolis parents, partners and community members.
(See full Board of Education, September, 14, 2021 presentation.)
Guiding Principles: Equity. Engagement.
Ensuring people closest to our students families, teachers, partners and school communities have a significant voice in shaping how this federal money is spent.
MPS Commitments
A commitment to equity that targets funds to students most impacted by the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic barriers to access and opportunity.
A commitment to lift up voices of families, students, partners and community members.
A commitment to transparency and accountability for decision-making and use of all.
What did the community tell us?
How did MPS engage the community?
1. ESSER III Stakeholder Advisory Committee: Within weeks of learning about the ESSER III funds, convened an advisory committee (staff members, union reps, students and families, and community partners) to help make recommendations to inform the district’s plan.
2. Digital Communications: Regular emails and online posts drove stakeholders to our webpages, which included a simple feedback form completed and returned by 70 individuals.
3. Tribal Consultation: A meeting with the Tribal Nations Education Committee (TNEC) to gather input about how the funds could be used to support American Indian students.
4. Direct Community Input: Partners and stakeholders provided direct input to the Superintendent and MPS leaders.
Considerations in Addition to Community Feedback
To ensure the MPS plan addresses the immediate needs of students, is aligned with the district’s long term vision and goals, and adheres to state and federal requirements, MPS also considered:
With community feedback in hand, along with other important considerations, Superintendent Graff and his leadership team developed a comprehensive list of potential investments focused on:
View past meetings and feedback process