January 31, 2022
MPS is looking for community partners to support COVID-19 impacted students this August
Twin Cities-based community organizations with culturally based programming are encouraged to propose ways they can support MPS students this summer during the month of August. This ESSER III-funded opportunity is designed to target and support students most impacted educationally and emotionally by the COVID-19 pandemic: low-income students, students of color, American Indian students, English language learners, students with disabilities and students experiencing homelessness.
What supports do MPS students need?
MPS seeks proposals from community organizations to provide “summer bridge” programming during August 2022 when MPS-sponsored summer school is not in session. Programming will be focused on student wellbeing, academic enrichment and/or school readiness.
Contract amounts will range from $10,000 to $49,000 per organization. MPS has identified a total of $200,000 in ESSER III funds for these August supports.
The full Request for Proposals (RFP) can be found here. Proposals will be accepted through February 28.
Who is eligible to apply?
MPS looks forward to receiving proposals from both non-profit and for-profit organizations, as well as individuals. Joint proposals are also welcome. Applicants do not need to be a current MPS Certified Community Partner to apply, but they must meet the criteria of a Certified Community Partner.
Where can you get your questions answered?
MPS will hold two virtual RFP information sessions to provide an overview of the application and required documents. MPS staff will also be available at these sessions to answer questions.
The sessions will be held on the following dates:
Sessions will be recorded and posted online for those who cannot attend.
Information sessions will be in English; to request language interpretation for a session, please email esser3@mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-0542 at least 3 business days in advance. The RFP application and supporting documents are available in English only.
Are these the only ESSER III-funded opportunities through MPS?
No. MPS will be sharing additional student support opportunities in April, where the focus will be on securing services that promote student well-being, enhance academic performance, and build capacity for families during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. (The current RFP is for services to students just this August 2022.)
You can find more information on MPS ESSER III opportunities on the MPS website
The MPS ESSER III plan was shaped by feedback from an advisory committee (including staff members, union representatives, students and families, and community partners), American Indian tribal consultation, an online submission form, and direct input from individuals and organizations.
More information on how Minneapolis Public Schools has previously used funds and continues to use one-time state and federal dollars available to support school district responses to COVID-19 can be found on our website.