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AmeriCorps VISTA Project Application Copyright 2014 City of Dubuque Consent Items # 4. ITEM TITLE: AmeriCorps VISTA Project Application SUMMARY: City Manager recommending approval of the AmeriCorps VISTA grant application to the Corporation for National and Community Service for four VISTA positions focused on the Third Grade Reading Initiative. SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve ATTACHMENTS: Description Type ❑ Campaign for Grade Level Reading VISTA Grant-MVM Memo City Manager Memo ❑ Grant Application Memo Staff Memo ❑ VISTA Grant Application-Grade Level Reading Supporting Documentation THE CITY OF Dubuque UBE I erica .i Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007-2012-2013 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Approve Campaign for Grade Level Reading VISTA Project Grant Application —Year 3 of 3-Year Cycle DATE: March 25, 2015 Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware recommends City Council approval of the AmeriCorps VISTA grant application to the Corporation for National and Community Service for four VISTA positions focused on the Third Grade Reading Initiative. Each of the positions has a specific focus — one is summer learning, one is attendance, one is early learning and the last is data. The total cost for the four VISTA positions is $79,704, and the financing commitment is the sponsoring organization cost share for one of the four VISTA members, for a total cost share of $11,676. This cost would be split with the City paying $2,919 and the School paying $8,757, as one position is at the City and three at the School. The City contribution would come from a line item in the Leisure Service budget for Campaign for Grade Level Reading. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Micliael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager THE CITY ODubuque II-A U Bi E ;111 I.mericaCi i Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007-2012-2013 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager SUBJECT: Approve Campaign for Grade Level Reading VISTA Project Grant Application —Year 3 of 3-Year Cycle DATE: March 24, 2015 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to request approval of an AmeriCorps VISTA Project Application a-filed with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). BACKGROUND As you are well aware the City has been very involved in the Campaign for Grade Level Reading initiative. Many of us commented that we would need some extra hands to work successfully on the initiative. As a city and department we have very effectively used the AmeriCorps VISTA program to build capacity within the organization on a variety of topics. The sustainability and volunteer initiatives are both great recent examples. In 2013 we were awarded four VISTA member positions for our Third Grade Reading Initiative. They each have a focus -- one is summer learning, one is attendance, one is early learning and the last is data. We have had members working in these areas. The Summer Learning Coordinator is placed at Leisure Services and the other three positions are supervised and placed at Dubuque Community School District. Each of these VISTA members works 40 hours a week for a year. Each of the VISTA members work with the Steering Committee as well as the subcommittees of each of the three initiative areas. They cross collaborate with and between all agencies involved and themselves. VISTAs work on poverty reduction efforts and the Campaign for Grade Level Reading Initiative dovetails well with this effort. The City was the applicant for the VISTAs as we 1 have a past record of success with the VISTA program. We had the opportunity to reapply for another year of the four members for the third year of a 3-year cycle. DISCUSSION VISTA's work to build capacity and it is understood that it may take more than a year to build the capacity needed. We were asked to reapply each year for our four VISTA positions to continue work for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading Initiative. I have worked on the reapplication with the Community Foundation and School District personnel. If the reapplication is accepted we will again be awarded four VISTA for a year. They each work full time for the organization thus we would have four persons continuing work full time on making the Community Solutions Action Plan (CSAP) that made the All America City award a reality. A summary of accomplishments of the VISTA members is summarized on pages 4 through 6 of the application attached. The Grants Assurances and Certifications have been reviewed by Maureen Quann in the City Attorney's office. PROJECT COST — BUDGET IMPACT The total project is $79,704. The financial commitment is that the sponsoring organization cost share for one of the four VISTA members. This cost share is $11 ,676. This cost would be split with the City paying $2,919 and the School paying $8,757 as we would have one and they will have three. Shirley has committed funds from the school for their portion. I recommend the City portion of$2,919 be paid for out of a line item in the Leisure Services budget for Campaign for Grade Level Reading. $68,028 is paid by the Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectfully request approval of the VISTA grant application to CNCS for four VISTA positions for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. MLW:et attachment: grant application cc: Shirley Horstman, Director of Student Services, Dub. Community School District Eric Dregne, Vice-President of Programs, Community Foundation Corrine Kroger, Every Child, Every Promise 2 DRAFT PART I - FACE SHEET APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE 1.TYMOFSUBM15SON: 10od6kd Standard Form 424(Rev.02107 to confbm to the Corporabon's eGmnts Systere) Appicatkn0 Non-ConaWr9an e.RATESUSMIIT®TO CORPoRATON 9.DA7E<ELBJED BY STATE STATEAPRICATON OEJnFlEt FOR .'NAL AND COfJd.UNW b.AMCATON D. 4.GATEF E)BY FEDERAL AGENCY: FEDERAL OBJ M ISVS171636 13VSNN001 S.AFR.MTON NFOMATION LCOALNAME City of Dubuque NAME AND CONTACT NFORMTON FOR PROJECT DIREDTOR OR OT Ett PERSON TO BEC AGED ON MATTERS NVOI.VNG TMS AFFI-C MN)glue DUNS NI.hBM 093105302 ea codes): NAME Wrie Were ADDRESS(give street address,city,stale,zip code and county): 1550 Mrke a TAEFHONEMIMBER (563)589-4264 Clarke Unrvemity M91546 FAX NUMBER: Wbugue N 620013117 NTE6NET EMI4L AOOPESS: mare@clyofdubuque.org County:Dubuque 6.E OVERDENnFICATIONNUMBER(EN): ].TYFEOFAFPLCANT: 42800/596 ]a. Local Government-Municipal ]b. Local Gwernnent,Municipal 8.TYPEOF APF1-C TION(Cheek appr.prho box). O NEW ❑ NEWIPRE/OUS GRANA£ ® COMNIATON ❑ AMENDMENT R Amendment,enter approDrkte,lader(s)h locates): A. AlON ATON B.BUDGET RBVBION C.N000STEOEJSION D.OT M(specifybdeowf: 9.NAMEOF FEDERAL AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service 1p .CATALOGOFFEOHRALOOMFWASSSTANCENIMBER 84.013 11.a.D6IXRFRNETIRE OFAP'LGNPS FRDJHTi . 10b.TIRE VBTASIate Oubuquers Third Grade Reading hhadve 12.AREAS AFFECTED BY PROJEGT(Let Cosa,Gounlba,States,etc): Ragrem Type: Standard Cast Share: Dubuque,Iowa Dubuque Camrunity Sch0o1 O§bkt 11.b.CHCS PROGRAM NRNTME IF ANY): 13.PROPOSED PROJECT: STARTOATE 04/20115 END DATE 04/15116 14.CONGRESSONSL OISTROT OF: e.Appkcant= b.Rogram N01 1EES71MATEDFUNDNO: Year N:F3 16.BAFFEICA71ONSUBJE:TTOREVENBYSTAMEXECUINE ORDER 12372 PROMSSi a.FEDERAL $ 0.00 VES.TUFESTATEEX EORDERON 72FFOCSSFOR BLE b.APPLICANT $ 11,676.00 TOTHESTAIEIXECUTNE OROEE 123]2 RACESS FIXR AEVEW ON: c,STATE $ 0.00 DATE d.LOCAL 0.00 © NO.PROGRAM B NO`r O EREDBY E0.123]2 a.OTHER $ 0.00 L PROGRAM NCOME $ 0.00 17.BTEAPLOAMOE.NOLEJT ON ANY FEDERAL ME Q YES d`Vas,"anach an exPknefon. ® NO .TOTAL $ 11,fi]fi.00 18.TOTFEBMTOFMYIPOWLEDGEANDB&U,,ALLMTANTHBAF0. TDWPRFAFRICATONAMVUEANDfOR ,,THED000M HASBEEN DULY A11rH0REED BY THEGOVEIINNG BOW OF THEAPP.CANTANDTIEAMCANTWLL COMR.Y MfEATTA(>EO ASSURANCES IFTHEASSBTANCE BAWARDS). a.TYFED NAME OFAIIRORQED RERRESEMAINE to.TIRE c.TELEPHONE NUMBER Mark Ware Leisure Services Manager (563)589-4264 d SIGNATURE OF All WED REPRESENTATIVE e.MMSIMM: Page 1 DRAFT Target Populations Low-income youth Narratives Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Provide a brief description of the proposed project, including the project goals(s) as well as an overview of the activities the requested VISTAS and Leaders will perform. Proposed Project and Goals: The proposed project will address the CNCS Strategic Plan Focus Area of Education (K-12 Success and School Readiness). The project will focus on four areas including 3rd grade reading achievement (Goal: 90% of 3rd grade students proficient on the reading comprehension portion of the Iowa Testing Program (ITP)), School Attendance(Goal:No student shall miss more than to%of the school year), Summer Learning (Goal: Change focus of activities to be purposeful activities that foster reading, math, and science skills instill a love for life-long learning,healthy living, and connection to school), and School Readiness(Goal: All young people in Dubuque are school ready). All goals will need measurements and evaluative tools. A Thud Grade Reading Community Solutions Action Plan(CSAP)was developed with involvement of seventeen local organization and community input in March of 2o12. The plan can be found at http://dbgfoundation.org/OurInitiatives/ThirdGradeReading.aspx. This plan is a guiding document for all four VISTA positions requested. Overview of Activities: To realize our overarching vision we will strive for impact in the way we collaborate,share resources, and engage the community. This can only be done by focused efforts of the VISTAS that will explore and evaluate the current and potential collaborations, resources and engagement. They will research best practices from across the country on models that have been successful in each of their respective areas of school attendance,summer learning, school readiness and measurements and evaluation. Currently 86%of 3rd grade students in the Dubuque Community School District read at grade level. We are focusing on the remaining 14%of our young people who do not read at grade level, many of whom are hardest to reach. Focusing our efforts on improving 3rd grade reading achievement For Official Use Only Page 2 DRAFT Narratives among the targeted low income and minority students will require initiatives that reach well beyond our current efforts. Facilitating transition from birth to school requires the work of multiple agencies working collaboratively across the community.In fact, given the demographics of the Dubuque community it is essential that our efforts serve to unite our entire community around initiatives that will serve to bridge race, class and socio-economic distinctions. The four VISTA's requested will work independently on their specific area and collectively with each other. One will focus on school attendance, one for summer learning, one for school readiness and one for development of measurements and evaluation of these three areas. They will work to create broader strategies including improved coordination of efforts and resources, and aligning provided and proposed services with a Collective Impact model. The collective impact model includes a common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication and backbone support. The VISTAS will become the backbone support using this model.The VISTA's will work to build the capacity within partner organizations to achieve the vision and goals for the 3rd Grade Reading Initiative,by identifying gaps as well as strengths and bringing new partners and volunteers to the table. All will be a team for the Third Grade Reading Community Solutions Action Plan that will work with the seventeen original partners and more. The VI STA's will work with subcommittees of the third grade initiative that are already established and representative of the seventeen original partners and a growing list of new partners and volunteers. z. How many VISTAS and Leaders are you requesting? 4 VISTA members 3.What is the estimated length of time required to complete the project? We currently have set out a three year plan with long term goals in each of the areas of school attendance,summer learning and school readiness. Each of the three plan areas has goals for community,families and policy for each of the first three years and longer term goals after that. 4. Briefly describe your organization's mission,history and the beneficiaries of your organization's For Official Use Only Page 3 DRAFT Narratives programs. The City of Dubuque's mission is to deliver excellent municipal services that support urban living, and contribute to a sustainable city. The City plans for the community's future, and facilitates access to critical human services.The result is a financially sound city government and citizens getting services and value for their tax dollar. Dubuque's population is 57,637 and the city serves this population. Our proposal is for a community wide effort. The Dubuque Community School District(DCSD) is partnering with the city in this VISTA application as a sub-recipient of three of the four VISTAS requested. The mission of the Dubuque Community School District is to develop world-class learners and citizens of character in a safe and inclusive learning community. DCSD serves nearly to,600 students in two high schools,three middle schools, thirteen elementary schools, and an alternative program that provides multiple pathways to graduation. There are 791 kindergartners, 858 tst graders, 827 2nd graders and 733 3rd graders in the current school year. In the state sponsored preschool program there are 28o being served by Dubuque Community School District and 487 being served in other programs that are under the DCSD community sub-sites. Summary of Accomplishments Tia Fuhr,Attendance Coordinator,worked from mid-June to early August. During that time,Tia acquainted herself with the research around school attendance. She also worked on finishing the data on chronically absent students in the Dubuque elementary buildings. In addition, she began planning activities that would roll out during September which is school attendance awareness month. Early Learning Coordinator Megan Leslie began in mid-November. Megan worked with the Dubuque Community School District and Child Care Resource and Referral agency to begin implementation of QRS in 11 district preschool classrooms. Her work with QRS included completing application packets for each of the a classrooms and work with teachers to file the appropriate paperwork. This body of work was intensive and included completing the following: r.A Basic Employee Checklist(Orientation) and Child Care Self-Assessments from a district teachers 2.Updated district classroom profiles in QRS binder 3.Filed ServSafe Certification documents 4. Completed an inventory of documents on file for each classroom 5. Distributed Professional Development and Center Improvement Plans to each classroom For Official Use Only Page 4 DRAFT Narratives 6. Recorded college transcripts and record of degree for each teacher and paraprofessional Megan also assisted in facilitating School Readiness meetings for campaign partners. This included drafting meeting agendas,taking meeting minutes and meeting with partners regarding the areas of QRS and Early Childhood education. In addition, Megan assisted in coordinating the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading booth at the 2014 Kids Expo. The booth involved meeting with parents to discuss the importance of early learning, good school attendance, and participation in summer learning. Megan also volunteered her time face painting and coordinated guest readers for the event. Data Coordinator Olivia Visio researched and learned best practices for data collection surrounding attendance. She collected data for the 13-14 and 14-15 school year surrounding attendance,which included learning the students information system and running reports via PowerSchool.Attendance reports are now compiled monthly and sent to the elementary schools. Protocols have been compiled for attendance collection procedures. Protocols have also been begun for high school level attendance. Preschool attendance has begun being collected. Data was compiled for the school nurses on tracking attendance of students with asthma and BMIs over 85%. Learned the Results Scorecard data collection system,provided 8+ community partners with Results Scorecard training. Stacy Seyer, Summer Learning Coordinator VISTA has accomplished a lot in her 2nd year of service. Stacy has been busy building relationships,research,development, analysis and reporting. Seyer was able to complete the Summer Learning Loss awareness campaign with a prize drawing for family fun nights. Seven families received prizes,valued at$1,279,for completing the summer learning BINGO game created by Seyer. She also wrote a report outlining the BINGO game and its results for possible duplication. From the summer provider list she created in her fust year, Seyer built relationships with 38 organizations providing summer programming and used the relationships to create and implement 3 summer learning programs in the Dubuque area for the summer 2014.With each program,Seyer ordered books and created activities for a home connection to each weekly theme. Based on research and best practice a collective impact model was created for summer programming and will be utilized for summer 2015. The model is also being expanded and redesigned for Playgrounds this summer. Seyer is coordinating and developing curriculum for this new summer program.She has created a summer learning survey to ask parents what they'd like to see in Dubuque for the summer! Her goal was 50, and she is nearing 300 respondents.Seyer will analyze and report the results. Seyer also saw For rlffclal Use Only Page 5 DRAFT Narratives the completion and installation of the 5 Little Free Libraries she coordinated with a local construction company.The donated LFLs were installed at each fire station in Dubuque, except HQ.Seyer partnered the Fire Dept. and Public Library to design a system of keeping books stocked at each location, especially lower income areas. She also designed a window cling for each LFL identifying it as a VISTA project and also has a QR code for our local Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Multiple TH articles were written and the City of Dubuque cable did a short video of the project outlining Seyer s involvement and the need for these LFLs. Seyer also created a Facebook page for Dubuque Little Free Libraries and worked on mapping the LFLs for citizens. Seyer led two service projects this year- a 9/11 Letter Writing &Good Deed Campaign for our local civil servants and fast responders. This year 983 letters were collected and sorted for 337 employees with Fire, Police, ER, and Ambulance services in Dubuque! Seyer and volunteers passed out the letters of thanks on 9/11. For the MLK Day of Service, Seyer held a call to action at a local organization for the community wide book drive,she and fellow VISTA Olivia Visio organized. Seyer and Visio partnered with 33 different organizations to market the book drive and collected 6,949 books that served 565 families or individuals with books to call their own.VISTAS also hosted story times at Kennedy Mall during the book drive on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 22o children participated in the story time events coordinated by Seyer. Books were distributed through 16 local organizations serving low-income residents on Read Across America Day! MLK and Seuss were tied together in the book drive with the quote from Frederick Douglass, "Once you learn to read,you will be forever free." Need State in measurable and quantifiable terms the specific poverty-related needs(s) identified by the community(ies) that the VISTA project will address, including the number of low-income people directly affected by the problem(s). If your program will operate at multiple sites,demonstrate a need in each community you propose to serve. The poverty rate in Dubuque has increased, including child poverty. According to the 2010 US Census report Dubuque's child poverty rate is 13%;for young people under 5 it is 20.6%in 2012.The effects of childhood poverty on learning and reading achievement are well documented.In addition to social and developmental problems,young people living in poverty often lack access to books and other reading materials. Children in poverty can also be deficient in oral vocabulary and background knowledge that are critical to reading comprehension.Dubuque Community School District data shows dramatic changes: For Official Use Only Page 6 DRAFT Narratives * 13% of students in poverty,up 51% since 2000 *38%qualify for free or reduced lunch vs. 37%for Iowa,up 10.3%since 2000 *Special education, 15% are entitled vs. 13% for Iowa currently The biggest challenge facing our community is disproportionate achievement rates of minority students and students in poverty.While overall our students are achieving at a high level,a disproportionate rate of minority students are entitled to Special Education services: 11.45%black, 2.37% Hispanic, and 2.72%multi-racial in 2011-12 according to Dubuque Community School District data.Whether we look at reading achievement, school attendance,or school readiness,the story is the same. In addition,while many Dubuque students demonstrate success in 3rd Grade Reading Achievement based on the Basic Reading Inventory,of the 14%of students not meeting 3rd grade reading targets, half(7%) are entitled.The remaining 3rd grade students are overwhelmingly black, male and receive free and reduced lunch services.This according to Dubuque Community School District data. Dubuque students arrive at kindergarten ready to learn and data shows our four-year old preschool is a major factor in driving these school readiness rates. However,the program is at risk due to state funding challenges and a disproportionate number of students from at-risk populations are still not school-ready by age S. Similarly,while the Average Daily Attendance(ADA) rate in DCSD schools is 95%,the opportunity remains to reach the most at-risk students who are not attending at rates that promote achievement. Improving summer learning opportunities may be our community's most significant opportunity. While we have an abundance of summer activities for our young people, there is little coordination among these activities and a significant need to incorporate learning opportunities into these programs to support the school curriculum especially emphasizing STEM. Finally,we must consider how our policies can better ensure: *More proportionate density of poverty and minorities within schools *Improved access to summer learning opportunities for all young people *An engaged health community that provides lead-testing and wellness care * High attendance standards for kindergarten and four-year-old preschool * Employer awareness of how policies affect parents' abilities to support children For OtFcial Use Only fte 7 DRAFT Narratives *Issues like attendance are addressed in community-based organization programming • School attendance policies are fair and consistently enforced district-wide. Our goal is to find models to help impact these most vulnerable students.We will build on our strong history of parmersbips,collaboration, and innovation to move our 3rd Grade Reading Achievement from good to great. This entire project includes looking at and changing our infrastructure to help more effectively bring individuals out of poverty or assisting them from being on that path as they grow up. Strengthening Communities i. Describe current activities your organization or other organizations are undertaking to address the problems identified in your need statement. Describe how the proposed project will complement this work. St Marks Youth Enrichment,Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque County Extension, Dubuque Community School District,Carnegie Stout Public Library,and City of Dubuque Leisure Services held a summer pilot program to address summer learning loss the fust year. The second year the State of Iowa enacted Chapter 62. This meant the School District now had requirements for children not reading at grade level. They did a morning program and St. Mark's Youth Enrichment did the afternoon enrichment and learning. It was successful through their talented leadership and collaborate efforts.It was our hope that the pilot would engage more organizations and it did with 24 other organizations participating and collaborating to make the programs a success both years. This year the School will have the morning program and the Dubuque Community YMCA will do the afternoon enrichment and learning. Additionally St Marks Youth Enrichment will be running their summer program at their site. Dubuque Leisure Services is revamping their playground program at eight locations with curriculum and enrichment activities. Attendance VISTA engaged Crescent Community Health Center in conversations around the importance of healthy children not missing school for routine appointments. She also shared information about the importance of children attending school everyday they are healthy with parents at the center.VISTA's also share school attendance related research with community organizations like Project Concern and Operation New View so that these organizations can work with parents in a knowledgeable way. For Official Use Only Page 8 DRAFT Narratives The Results Scorecard was adopted to provide a common way for participating organizations to compile and share data. VISTA's received training on this process and in turn worked with the agencies to help them set up and correctly enter data. Early Childhood Dubuque County required in their grant RFP that all grantees use the Results Scorecard to report on goals for school readiness. This has brought a cohesiveness to the data that never before existed and allows for better coordination of services and resources. VI STA's will continue working with the established programs and the pilots to expand,measure, update, change and research complementary work and/or expansion of the current work and these pilots. Measurements will continue to be a focus. z. Describe how the new or enhanced programming created by your project will address the needs of the community and bring individuals and ultimately, the community out of poverty. Low education attainment has a strong link to poverty. By building the capacity of our community to impact education attainment,beginning with early childhood,VISTA's engaged in this effort will have a direct role in creating antipoverty outcomes. VISTAS will play a critical role in building infrastructure and capacity for our community's schools, non-profit partners,local government and philanthropy that will ensure Dubuque's most vulnerable children succeed. Too many children come to preschool and kindergarten neither prepared nor ready to succeed--school readiness gap. Too many children are missing too many days of school-attendance gap. Too many children lose too much ground over the summer months returning to school further behind than when they left in June--summer slide. These three areas are most affected by low income children, however our goal is to reach all children that are reading below grade level. This effort which is a collaborative effort has already brought many organizations to the table. We have and will continue to research best practices,work on pilot programs, measure outcomes, track successes and systematically improve all our efforts to insure all of our Dubuque children can read at grade level by third grade. We are focusing on the hardest to reach population which ultimately is many times children in poverty. This will focus on the skills that can help the children to be successful. Reading skills can change a child for life. For Official Use Only Page 9 DRAFT Narratives Research by the Campaign for Grade Level Reading tells us that children who are not at grade level reading by third grade are more likely to be behind for the rest of their life. In fact, 74% of students who do not read at grade level by end of third grade will not catch up in time to graduate with their class. Every year more than 8o%of low income children will miss this critical milestone. If this continues this means more poverty in the next generation,a workforce that is less competitive in the global economy and a military less ready to protect our nation's security. Each and every child that will learn to read at grade level will have improved chances for success while in school as well as jobs in the future. VISTA's will connect community resources and volunteers to researched best practices that impact school readiness,school attendance, summer learning, overall grade level reading achievement and ensure all children in Dubuque have the education and tools needed to thrive in the 21st century. 3.How will you involve the community to ensure the sustainability of the proposed project? As the VISTA members research best practices and involve the various partners we will begin to see areas where current resources may be reallocated. There are a lot of resources currently out there related to each of the three plan areas but never before has an effort focused on working together so closely. As we begin to measure and evaluate our efforts we will likely determine some activities need not be continued as they were not effective. This will allow resources to be moved to either programs that are performing or start up pilots that will be measured for effectiveness before rolling out across the community.This part of the effort is highly sustainable as it uses current resources in new ways and measures how we are doing. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque(CFGD)has made a long term commitment to ensuring that every child in Dubuque receives five promises--a Caring Adult, Safe Places, Healthy Start, Effective Education and Opportunities to Serve through its long standing commitment of funding and resources to the Every Child/Every Promise initiative(ECEP). Together with ECEP the Foundation has made a multi-year commitment to support and fund Dubuque's Grade Level Reading Campaign. For Official Use Only Page 10 DRAFT Narratives Together with the Steering Committee partners,there is a firm commitment to ensuring the initiative is sustainable and reaches it goals. In fact, steering committee partners have signed an MOU to highlight that commitment. MOU is on File at the state office. The third grade reading coalition and its subcommittees met to formulate the plan and now continue to meet to implement the plan. VISTA members will seek additional partners. Community involvement and empowerment is key to the success of this initiative. To write the Plan not only did seventeen partner agencies come together but over too community members came together to provide input that became a part of the Community Action Plan. A second community meeting was held with over 120 participants that brainstormed ideas and made commitments to third grade reading. Those present were business and community members ready to help make this plan a reality understanding that this is not a yearlong process but a process that will take time and additional commitment in the future. Philanthropists have expressed a desire to help financially. As the initiative continues we will match their interests with program or activities that we have developed measures and evaluations and show outcomes that can lead to other financial support in the future. Dubuque has a history of being very successful in finding funding for proven strategies- whether through philanthropists, non-profits, grants,or other methods. Additional community meetings are being planned once a year to provide updates, get feedback, share successes and ask for specific commitments to continue to reach our goals outlined in the plan. These will all create more buy-in and greater sustainability. 4.Is the program that you are trying to expand/start new in your community? Field? To your organization? If ongoing,is it effective? How do you know? This program/initiative is new to the community and to the City organization. There are communities that have begun working in the area of a Campaign for Grade Level Reading initiative in Iowa and around the Country due to the National Civic Leagues All America City Award that focused solely on third grade reading and creating Community Solutions Action Plans. We will continue to network with those cities as they continue their work and learn from each other's efforts and successes. For Official Use Only Page 11 DRAFT Narratives VISTA's will have a significant impact on the community by developing improved systems that ensure all children read proficiently by the end of 3rd Grade. In addition,VISTA's work will improve community capacity of the Campaign,partnerships, and systems that support School Readiness, School Attendance, and Summer Learning. The impact will be measured by; a. Improved attendance, especially for families and children who are experiencing chronic absence measured by new systems and improved data about attendance. b. Improved summer learning program partnerships, and data that demonstrates the impact of quality summer programs. C. Improved school readiness strategies. d. Increased partnerships among service providers, schools,business and nonprofits aligned to support the Grade Level Reading Campaign goals and community solutions action plan. e. Volunteers engaged in supporting the grade-level reading program. Recruitment and Development 1. Describe in specific terms how your organization will recruit qualified VISTA(s)to service on this project. What challenges do you anticipate in recruiting qualified individuals? The City of Dubuque and Dubuque Community School District will use all of their typical position recruitment methods including print,website advertising and social media in addition to posting the positions through the Corporation for National and Community Services website. This includes listing locally with Access Dubuque, the areas web-based outreach for jobs available in the area. We will also specifically reach out to the colleges and universities in the area--Loras College, University of Dubuque, Clarke University,Wartburg Seminary,Emmaus Bible College, and University of Wisconsin Platteville. We will also be reaching out to other universities that may have strong programs that relate to qualifications for each VISTA placement. The biggest challenge anticipated is the timing of the recruitment and availability for non-summer starts. With the requirement that the VISTA must not be full time in college this causes problems as potential candidates could be graduating in very early May and at the time of application and acceptance into the program be a full time student. We may lose good candidates due to this. Each VISTA will be recruited for skills,knowledge and abilities to help them be successful. They may For Oficial Use Only Page 12 DRAFT Narratives come from a variety of backgrounds. We would likely recruit education majors of those that want work experience after four years and before going onto grad school. We might recruit a doctoral candidate that will work with this project as a part of a thesis.We could recruit a recently retired teacher that has a lot of classroom experience. For the data and measurements position we would likely recruit from a student of statistics or other measurements driven field that would have hands on experience of data management as well as measurements. Again,this might be a doctoral student that can research and also turn this research into workable formats for use in the field. This could again be a recently retired person that was heavily involved in qualitative and quantitative measurements as a part of their career. Having a team of VISTAS from a variety of backgrounds that are at different places in their career would be a dream team. We would recruit to gain the best applicant pool possible. z. Describe the service-related transportation needs of the VISTA(s) and your plans for meeting those needs. The VISTA members will need transportation to and from meetings that will be held in various locations throughout the community. If the VISTA member has a vehicle there would be reimbursement for mileage and if the VISTA does not the city has a public transportation system that could be used and a bus pass could be provided. 3. Briefly describe plans for orienting VISTA(s)to your organization and the community. Describe any training opportunities and technical assistance that will be available to members throughout their service. The following is a general orientation plan for the VISTAS: A. Welcome to the City of Dubuque and Leisure Services as well as Dubuque Community School District--Introductions, structure of city,workspace area to use,websites of organization,policies and procedures, equipment orientations, administrative policies B. Community Tour and Organizational Purpose and Mission and the VISTA project-- Touring the community and neighborhoods as well as the community as a whole, meeting with persons in the City and School that VISTA's work with on a daily and weekly basis,exploring the organizations more For Official Use Only Page 13 DRAFT Narratives in-depth, understanding in depth the VISTA project and how it came about and what it is hoped to achieve C. The Member Assignment, Supervisory Relationship and Community Investigation-- Review of the job description and VAD, performance reviews,project application, clear outcomes of the project, performance expectations and objectives, supervisory support and support structure, communications, reporting, accountability, working relationships, discipline,work styles, upcoming meetings,past VISTA work and accomplishments D. Independent Community Investigation --member exploring the community inventorying assets, needs, cultural practices E. Deepening the Understanding of the Community and the Project-- Several experts of our community sharing about low-income populations, community leaders sharing about the community, meeting community partner organizations as well as other AmeriCorps National program members F. Team Building--This will be very important for the four VISTAS as well as with their supervisors to build trust and mutual understanding, meet other VISTAS in the community. They will be considered full members of the City and the School team. G. Outreach -- Starting to reach out in the Community both with organizations and individually Training opportunities will be sought throughout the term of service speck to each of the VISTA members. They will all go through the intercultural competency training held by the City of Dubuque Human Rights Department each year. They will meet with the City Departments that will assist them in being successful with each of their assignment areas. Each will participate in the Distinctively Dubuque sessions sponsored by Greater Dubuque Development Corporation which orients them to the Dubuque Community. The City and the School District host trainings at various times of the year that the VISTA members may be invited to. These types of trainings might be leadership oriented or specific to their areas of For Official Use Only Page 14 DRAFT Narratives work. Community trainings like a recently held Chamber of Commerce Diversity Summit would also be available to VISTA members. The VISTAS will attend a Bridges out of Poverty training sponsored by the city's Housing Department. Technical assistance will be available for various city and school departments. For example, information services would be available for training on computer related software or for technical assistance with computer questions or problems. There are experts in many fields that are a part of the City staff and departments. This is true of the school district as well. 4. Describe the accessibility of services provided to members of the community with disabilities. Is your organization able to accommodate VISTAS with disabilities? Accessibility of city and school services is critical to the community and required. To the greatest extent possible through reasonable accommodation,all offices and facilities of the city and school district are accessible and usable by employees with disabilities and persons who utilize the services of the city or the Dubuque Community School System. In addition,the City has a Section goo Advisory Committee that is responsible to ensure compliance of Section 504 and the ADA. VISTA Assignment t. Summary of Activities: (To be submitted with the project application.) Provide a summary of the general tasks and activities VISTAs will perform to implement the proposed project.These tasks and activities should logically relate to the project goals you propose in the Project Plan. In each of the four focus areas-summer learning, school attendance,school readiness and data and measurements the four VISTA members will participate in the following activities related to the goals outlined in this application: Build and expand partnerships with Dubuque public and private sector organizations/businesses; Outreach by taking the"show on the road" for the lunch speakers network by doing public speaking on the Campaign for Grade Level Reading initiative and ways for individuals,businesses, organizations, non-profits, and service clubs to get involved in the effort; • Help to develop sponsor infrastructure which may include developing new programs and/or updating existing ones; Engage residents of the low-income community to become active in the future of their children and For Official Use Only Page 15 DRAFT Narratives the development of programs that meet their needs and their children's needs; Recruit, train and coordinate part-time volunteers and work with the VISTA Volunteer Coordinator in the City's Human Rights Department; Write grant applications for funding and other resources and solicit donations and other in-kind support for sponsor programs that are directly involved with pulling people out of poverty; Market and publicize the project and results as they are measured and achieved; • Create measurement systems that work for organizations yet maintain HIPPA standard; Continue community events to support the project and update the public on progress and gather continuous individual commitments through the VISTA project and beyond; Mobilize resources in- and outside the community in support of the project; Promote project sustainability by focusing on building the capacity of individuals, organizations and the community; and Train direct service providers especially in the summer learning focus area and/or set up train the trainer sessions. As they look at effectiveness VISTAS may encourage total reworks of current programs,for example, the City of Dubuque has hosted a summer playground program in ly locations across the community for many,many years. There are resources of personnel, equipment, supplies and staff that run this program. The VI STAB may look at that current program and recommend changes to structure of the program,locations held,hiring staff with different skill sets, reallocate funds to achieve greater success related to summer learning, or recommend curriculum.This same thing could be done with many of the partner agencies to align efforts across various community organizations around the adopted goals listed above. As the VADs are established this will create an outline for the each VISTA to follow throughout the year. Each program supervisor will discuss with the VISTAS individually and as a group at least quarterly their progress on the overall goals and milestones established in this document. More time will be spent in the field at schools,with building principals,with school administration, at summer programs, and with community members and parents. The concrete impacts will come as these meetings and research progress completed. The VISTA members will more clearly understand the community, the partners and the opportunities and the threats. They will work with their site supervisors as well as the Campaign for Grade Level Reading committee and subcommittees. For Official Use Only Page 16 DRAFT Narratives The action plans submitted as a part of this application show at the end of the second year impacts that include but are not limited to research,partnerships built,informing, awareness and marketing to parents and the community,commitments made, and pilots established and evaluated. All of these are concrete impacts and the establishment of a stable foundation upon which to build in the coming years. While the average daily attendance rate is 95%for the DCSD the opportunity remains for the 5% which are the most at-risk students who are not attending at rates that promote achievement. This is about 15o children in the current school year that are in need of efforts to increase attendance and thus achievement for each of these children. z. VISTA Assignment Description (VAD) -- to be submitted after approval. (sent as attachment) Project Management t. Describe how you will supervise the project and provide daily supervision of VISTAS. Specify if supervision will be full-time or part-time responsibility. Marie Ware, City of Dubuque Leisure Services Manager,will supervise the project with a total of four VISTA members. Marie is a full-time staff member for the City of Dubuque. This will be a part-time responsibility of her position. Daily supervision of the VISTA member related to summer learning will be provided by Marie Ware. Marie will supervise the School as the sub-recipient. z. If individual sites other than your organization will host/supervise members,please list the name of those organizations, the cities and states if different from your own, and describe the structure of their relationship to your organization. Also, list the names and titles of the site supervisors, along with the number of VISTA(s) requested for each site. What are your plans for providing programmatic orientation,sub-site supervisor training and technical assistance to your services sites (supervisors and VISTAs)? The City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Community School District(DCSD)have had a very active For Official Use Only Page 17 DRAFT Narratives partnership for many years and strong working relationships. This third grade reading initiative is just the latest example of partnerships. Leisure Services works with the School District on numerous projects, activities, partnerships and initiatives. Partnerships are so important that the City Council has called out in its 2012-14 high priorities of implementation of the third grade reading strategy and continued parks and schools joint projects and services. Daily supervision of the school attendance and measurements and evaluation VISTAS will be from Shirley Horstman, Director of Student Services for DCSD. Lynne Devaney,Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction will be supervising the school readiness VISTA. All three supervisors work full time and a part of their responsibility will be the supervision described for the VISTA members. The VISTA on-site orientation and training plan for the VISTAS will be developed by Marie Ware with assistance from Shirley and Lynne. Certain parts of this orientation and training will be the same for all four and other parts will be specific to the VISTA position and placement. Marie has seen the effectiveness of a well thought out orientation and training for the VISTA member through a past placement. This sets the tone for the entire year of service as well as an overall understanding of the long term vision and goals of the initiative. Spending time in the beginning is critical for the entire year's work and then having systematic check in's, progress reporting and discussions throughout the term on things going well and problem areas is critical. Methods for this will be set up in the beginning of each term. Corrine Kroger is the Every Child/Every Promise Coordinator with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. Corrine meets with the VISTAs on a regular basis to chart progress and see how to connect them to other community efforts that are related to the Campaign. 3. Are 5r percent or more of the persons on your board of director's members of low income community? The Grade Level Reading Campaign steering committee will engage representatives from the Circles Initiative. The Initiative is an innovative research-based program that assists low-income families with developing the skills needed to transition out of poverty. Members will serve on advisory For Official Use Only Page 18 DRAFT Narratives committee to inform the work of the VISTA's supporting the Grade Level Reading Campaign. The advisory committee will meet as often as quarterly and members from the Circles Initiative, representing low-income families and individuals representing each focus area will make up the committee. 4. Briefly describe your plans for evaluating progress towards achieving your project's anticipated goals and milestone. What information and data will you use to demonstrate the concrete impacts of the project? As the VADs are established this will create an outline for the each VI STA to follow throughout the year. Each program supervisor will discuss with the VI STAB individually and as a group at least quarterly their progress on the overall goals and milestones established in this document. The third year work will continue on bringing partners together,research and implementation. Time will be spent in the field at schools,with building principals,with school administration, at summer programs, and with community members and parents.Additional pilots or trials of new methods in programs will happen. The concrete impacts will come through meetings,research and implementation. The VISTA members will more clearly understand the community, the partners and the opportunities and the threats. They will work with their site supervisors as well as the Grade Level Reading committee and subcommittees. The performance measures submitted as a part of this application show at the end of the third year impacts that include but are not limited to research,partnerships built, informing and marketing to parents and the community,commitments made, and additional pilots or programs established. All of these are concrete impacts and the establishment of a stable foundation upon which to build in the coming years. 5. How,if at all,will you collaborate with other national service programs(Senior Corps, Learn& Serve America, etc) in order to support the proposed project? Please note that VISTAs may NOT mange or work on other CNCS-sponsored grants. The City of Dubuque's AmeriCorps Partners in Learning receives CNCS resources and has 48 For Official Use Only Page 19 DRAFT Narratives members. AmeriCorps Partners in Learning will he a very active partner in the initiatives related to the work of these four VISTA members. This program is a division of the Leisure Services Department supervised by Marie Ware and directed by Mary Bridget Corken-Deutsch,AmeriCorps Director. This program was approved for a new grant with a total emphasis on thud grade reading placing z AmeriCorps members at each elementary school in grade levels K-3 and in the summer playground programs offered by Leisure Services working on reading strategies but making it fun.The four VISTAS will be a big part of seeing how we build this capacity and then have the service members make it a reality through hands-on work in the schools and throughout the summer. The VISTAS will not manage or work on the CNCS-sponsored grants. Mary Bridget Corken-Deutsch will work with the AmeriCorps Partners in Learning. The Dubuque National Service Partners will also become very involved in this effort as well. In the local community we have RSVP through Finley Hospital, Foster Grandparents through Project Concern, Iowa Campus Compact VISTA program through Loras College and Clarke University, and Iowa AmeriCorps State of Promise program thmugb the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. The VISTAS will not manage or work on these either. Their work will be on building capacity through these programs as resources. Organizational Capability ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY t. Address your organization's capacity to manage the proposed project including previous experience working with community volunteers and/or national service participants. Was your organization previously assigned VISTAS? If so,specify sponsoring organization(if different from your own),years and numbers of members. Briefly describe how the proposed service activities differ from what your members did previously. Also, if your agency is currently receiving CNCS resources, specify which program and the number of members. The City of Dubuque has been very active with the national service programs. Our most active involvement is with the AmeriCorps Partners in Learning program. The program has been successful over the past 13+ years in working with the Dubuque Community Schools and community partners. The program has had nearly boo members during its existence. The Partners in Learning Program Director is a part of the Grade Level Reading initiative and a member of the Dubuque National Service Partnership. This partnership works on joint service and training projects. For OKcial Use Only Page 20 DRAFT Narratives The City hasalso been a sponsor to various VISTA positions in the Leisure Services, Human Rights and Sustainability Departments. We have had 6 VISTA's in our recent past. These positions have been involved in volunteer program development efforts, sustainability efforts, and human rights program development. Leisure Services and the City are also very familiar with working with community volunteers. The work proposed would be complementary to these efforts. Marie Ware has been assigned currently to work with the VISTAS as a part of this application. Should something happen to her, the City Manager would assess the right person to take over these duties within the City organization. As you will see from the attached organizational chart there are numerous departments or he might choose another person in the Leisure Services organization. 2. What resources are available for the project?Identify the names of partner organizations. Is your organization able to contribute financially for all or some of costs related to VISTA(s) and Leaders(s)? Please indicate if you are able to support a cost-share member(approximately $ro,000-15,000/year). The City of Dubuque and Dubuque Community School District will partner together on the cost share of$11,676 for one member of the four VISTA's requested. They will also provide a computer,office space,mileage reimbursement or bus pass,professional development and training for each of the VISTA members. Overall the VISTA's will be supervised by Marie Ware,Leisure Services Manager for the City of Dubuque,whom has overseen the AmeriCorps Director for Dubuque's Partners in Learning Program and oversaw a VI STA in the development of a volunteer center and program for the community.Marie serves on the Summer Learning subcommittee. Additionally Shirley Horstman, Director of Student Services for DCSD will be directly involved with the VISTA members. Shirley has been involved with the AmeriCorps Partners in Learning program in the schools and has managed numerous grants for the District. She is on the School Attendance subcommittee. Lynne Devaney, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction has also been involved in numerous leadership positions and managed numerous grants as well. She is on the School Readiness subcommittee. Both Shirley and Lynne are very involved in data and measurements at the School District and their expertise will assist the VISTA in this area. The VISTA's will interact and partner extensively with the following partners that are a part of an For Official Use Only Page 21 DRAFT Narratives active Third Grade Reading Coalition: Carnegie Stout Public Library,Clarke University, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Crescent Community Health Center, Dubuque Community School District, Dubuque Community School District Foundation, Dubuque County Early Childhood, Every Child I Every Promise,Four Oaks: Parents as Teachers, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Holy Family Schools, Iowa State University Extension &Outreach, Leisure Services, Lorna College, Multicultural Family Center,Northeast Iowa Community College, Operation New View: Head Start, St Mark's Youth Enrichment. See attached Memorandum of Understanding signed by all agencies. 3. If your agency is currently receiving other CNCS resources,specify which program and the number of members or national service participant. Also, identify your intended plan for using the various CNCS resources to enhance the VISTA activities if applicable. The City of Dubuque's AmeriCorps Partners in Learning receives CNCS resources and has 48 members. AmeriCorps Partners in Learning will be a very active partner in the initiatives related to the work of these four VISTA members. The Dubuque National Service Partners will also become very involved in this effort as well. In the local community we have RSVP through Finley Hospital, Foster Grandparents through Project Concern,Iowa Campus Compact VISTA program through Loras College and Clarke University, and Iowa AmeriCorps State of Promise program through the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. Other Identify how this program reflects the CNCS strategic focus areas. The four VISTA members directly work on the CNCS 2011-15 Strategic Plan focus area of Education. Specifically their work will collaboratively through the partner organizations improve school readiness for economically disadvantaged young children and improve educational outcomes of student in low achieving elementary schools. The VISTA will not be involved in the direct service however their work will be with the many organizations involved in direct service related to school attendance, school readiness and summer learning. They will leverage human,financial and material resources to increase the capacity of organizations related to the Third Grade Reading initiative working with low- income children. Each of these elements is critical to meeting the CNCS goals listed above. City Council Approval of Submission For Official Use Only Pe9e 22 DRAFT Narratives This application was submitted and authorized by Marie Ware, City of Dubuque Leisure Services Manager. Final authorization was completed by the action of the City Council. The City Council will meet on April 6, 2ot5 at which time it will be fully authorized. Staff is authorized to submit applications and the City Council acts upon them at the meeting following submission so a copy of the application can be provided. The City Manager is provided a copy of the application at the time of submission as well. Intermediary Justification N/A For Official Use Only Page 23 DRAFT Sites Site Name: City of Dubuque Leisure Services EIN:42-6004596 Type:PM and Placement Address:2200 Bunker Hill Rd SA: ❑ Dubuque, lA 52001-3010 Contact:Marie Ware Phone: 5635894264 Email: mw are@cityofdubuque.org Site Name: Dubuque Community School District EIN:42-6001531 Type:PM and Placement Address:2300 Chaney Rd SA: ❑ Dubuque, IA 52001-3059 ContactShirley Horstman Phone: 5635529125 Email: shorstman@dbgschools.org For Official Use Only Peg.24 DRAFT Performance Measures # of Capacity Building PM's per n of VISTA's Requested Per Capacity Capacity Building Goal Building Goal ■Effectiveness2 ;N 100,0% r ■Effetliveness4 100.0% PCT7 PQ9 City of Dubuque Leisure Services Effectiveness - Full Time Capcity, Goal: Effectiveness Objective: Capacity Building &Leverage Project Year: 3 # of VISTA'S Requested: 1 Output: G3-3.4: Number of organizations that received capacity building services Target 3 Organizations Measured By: Activity Log Described Instrument: Actvib log kept by VISTA of capacity building activities with each organization Outcome: G3-3.10: Number of organizations reporting that capacity building helped make them more effective Target: 3 Organizations Measured By: Pre/Post Organizational Assessment Tool Described Instrument: Organizations will do a pre and postsurvey regarding activities performed and their effectiveness ervice Activitity: Expand/strengthen partnerships/networks Description: Determine overlaps and gaps and compare with needs of the population to be served Service Activitity: Program Development and Delivery Description: Share effective program methods and best practices Anti-Poverty PM 1.2 - K-12 Success Focus Area: Education Objective: K-12 Success # of VISTA'S Requested: 1 For Official Use Only Page 25 DRAFT Performance Measures City of Dubuque Leisure Services Anti-Poverty Output: Number of targeted student K-3 that reduced summer slide Target: 0 Measured By: Described Instrument: Anti-Poverty Outcome: Increased interestin school Target: 0 Measured By: Described Instrument: Anti-Poverty Program/Strategy Intervention Community School Partnership Description: Workwith District and partners focused on non-proficient and/or bubble students to participate in programs with learning intervenfions weaved into program For Official Use Only Page 26 DRAFT Performance Measures Dubuque Community School District Effectiveness - Full Time Capcity Goal: Effectiveness Objective: Capacity Building &Leverage Project Year. 3 # of VISTA'S Requested: 3 Output: G3-3.4: Number of organizations that received capacity building services Target: 3 Organizations Measured By: Activity Log Described Instrument. Logging activities performed with different organizations Output: 33-3.5: Number of staff and community volunteers that received training (of one or mare types) Target. 20 Staff and Community Volunteers Measured By: Attendance Log Described Instrument: An attendance log will be kept ateach training Outcome: G3-3.10: Number oforganizations reporting thatcapacily building helped make them more effective Target. 5 Organizations Measured By: Pre/Post Organizational Assessment Tool Described Instrument: Pre and post assessment survey Outcome: G3-3,11: Number of new systems /business processes or enhancements putin place Target 6 Systems, Business Processes or Enhancements Measured By: Activity Log Described Instrument: member will track activities used with organizations Service Activitity: Expand/strengthen partnerships/networks Description: Early learning requires partnerships build with child care providers, preschool and organizations such as parents as teachers Service Activitity: Program Development and Delivery Description: Attendance requires work through attendance programs in the schools, partnering with outside organziations on health and mental health and more Service Activitity: Technology use Description: Research and use of data on specific students and groups of students Anti-Poverty PM 3.4 - K-12 Success For Official Use Only Page 27 DRAFT Performance Measures Dubuque Community School District Focus Area: Education Objective: K-12 Success of VISTA'S Requested: S Anti-Poverty Output - (PRIORITY) ED2: Number of students completing a CNCS-supported education program Target 250 Students Measured By: Attendance Log Described Instrument: Ateach program an attendance log will be taken for number of students participating and completing specific programs Anti-Poverty Outcome: (PRIORITY) ED5: Number of students with improved academic performance in literacy and/or math Target: 50 Students Measured By: Standardized Test Described Instrument: DIBELS or other standardized test as adopted by the district Anti-Poverty Program/Strategy Intervention Community School Partnership Description: Workwith community organizations, preschools and day care providers In early learning strategies Anti-Poverty Program/Strategy Intervention Family Involvement Description: Working with families on attendance importance and strategies Anti-Poverty Program/Strategy Intervention Other Classroom Support Description: Give principals and teachers data that assists them with specific children and families Anti-Poverty Program/Strategy Intervention Out-of-School Time Description: Carrying over learning into out of school lime when appropriate to gain additional supports for children that need it. Anti-Poverty Program/Strategy Intervention Summer Learning Description: Workwfih community organization on summer literacy learning opportunities For ficial Use Only Page 26 Required Documents Document Name Status Articles of Incorporation Not Sent Auditor's Statement Page Not Sent Board of Directors Not Sent Negotiated Indirect Cost Agreement Not Sent Organizational Chart Not Sent Supervisor's Job Description Not Sent Supervisor's Resume Not Sent Tax-Exempt Status Form Not Sent Two Letters of Support Not Sent For Official Use Only Page 29 PM Summary Report for Application ID: 15VS171636 Grant application ID: 15VS171636 NOFA: FY 2015 AmeriCorps VISTA State Type: Continuation Status: Grantee Initial Entry Submitted: Legal Applicant Name: City of Dubuque #of Capacity Building PM's per Capacity Building Goal #of VISTAS Requested per Capacity Building Goal I& 00% 100% Elicctiveaess 2 �Eff tiveness 4 City of Dubuque Leisure Services Effectiveness-Full Time Capacity Goal Effectiveness Objective Capacity Building&Leverage Project Year 3 #of VISTAS Requested I Output G3-3.4:Number of organizations that received capacity building services Target 3 Organizations Measured By Activity Log Describe Instrument Actvity log kept by VISTA ofcapacity building activities with each organzation Outcome G3-3.10:Number of organizations reporting that capacity building helped make them more effective Target 3 Organizations Measured By Pre/Post Organizational Assessment Tool Describe Instrument Organizations will do a pre and post survey regarding activities performed and their effectiveness Service Activities Expand/strengthen partnerships/networks Description Determine overlaps and gaps and compare with needs of the population m be served Service Activities Program Development and Delivery Description Share effective program methods and but practices Anti-Poverty PM1.2-K-12 Success PM Summary Report for Application ID: 15VS171636 °oge 2 City of Dubuque Leisure Services Effectiveness-Full Time Anti-Poverty PML2-K-12 Success Focus Area Education Objective K-12 Success #of VISTAS Requested 1 Anti-Poverty Output Number of targeted student K-3 that reduced summer slide Target 0 Measured By Describe Instrument Anti-Poverty Outcome Increased interest in school Target 0 Measured By Describe Instrument Anti-Poverty Program Strategy/fidervention Community School Partnership Description Work with District and partners focused on non-proficient and/or bubble students to participate in programs with learning interventions weaved into program Dubuque Community School District Effectiveness-Full Time Capacity Goal Effectiveness Objective Capacity Building&Leverage Project Year 3 #of VISTAS Requested 3 Output G3-3.4:Number of organizations that received capacity building services Target 3 Organizations Measured By Activity Log Describe Instrument Logging activities performed with different organizations Output G3-3.5:Number of staff and community volunteers that received(mining(of one or more types) Target 20 Staff and Community Volunteers Measured By Attendance Log Describe Instrument An attendance log will be kept at each training Outcome G3-3.10:Number of organizations reporting that capacity building helped make them more effective Target 5 Organizations Measured By Pre/Post Organizational Assessment Tool Describe Instrument Pre and post assessment survey PM Summary Report for Application ID: 15VS171636 Page 3 Dubuque Community School District Effectiveness-Full Time Outcome _.... G3-3.1 L Number of new systems/business processes or enhancements put in place Target 6 Systems,Business Processes or Enhancements Measured By Activity Log Describe Instrument member will track activities used with organizations Service Activities Expand/strengthen parvo erships/networks Description Early learning requires partnerships build with child care providers,preschool and organizations such as parents as teachers Service Activities Program Development and Delivery Description Attendance requires work through attendance programs in the schools,partnering with outside organziations on health and mental health and more Service Activities Technology use Description Research and use of data on specific students and groups of students Anti-Poverty PM3.4-K-12 Success Focus Area Education Objective K-12 Success #of VISTAS Requested 3 Anti-Poverty Output (PRIORITY)ED2:Number of students completing a CNCS-supported education program Target 250 Students Measured By Attendance Log Describe Instrument At each program an attendance log will be taken for number of students participating and completing specific programs Anti-Poverty Outcome - (PRIORITY)EDS:Number of students with improved academic performance in literacy and/or math Target 50 Students Measured By Standardized Test Describe Instrument DIBELS or other standardized test as adopted by the district Anti-Poverty Program Strategy/Intervention Community School Partnership Description Work with community organizations,preschools and day care providers in early learning strategies Anti-Poverty Program Strategy/Intervention Family Involvement Description Working with families on attendance importance and strategies Anti-Poverty Program Strategy/Intervention Other Classroom Support Description Give principals and teachers data that assists them with specific children and families PM Summary Report for Application ID: 15VS171636 Page Dubuque Community School District Effectiveness-Full Time Anti-Poverty PM3.4-K-12 Success Anti-Poverty Program Strategy/Intervention Out-of-School Time Description Carrying over learning into out of school time when appropriate to gain additional supports for children that need it. Anti-Poverty Program Strategy/Intervention Summer Learning Description Work wtih community organization on summer literacy learning opportunities RPT_BGT_424 March 13,205 5:39 PM Dubuque's Third Grade Reading Initiative Prdgramrype: Standard City of Dubuque Dort Share Application ID: IBVS171636 Budget Dates:W2012014-04118/2015 Total And CNCSShare Grantee Share Member-Support Section I.Volunteer Support Expenses A.Project Personnel Expenses Supervisor 0 0 0 0 Total $0 $0 $0 $0 B.Personnel Fringe Benefits FICA 0 0 0 0 Health Insurance 0 0 0 0 Retirement 0 0 0 0 Life insurance 00 0 0 Total $0 $0 $0 $0 C.Project Staff Travel Local Travel Long Distance Travel Tate) $0 $0 $0 $0 D.Equipment E Supplies F.Contractual Service Payroll 0 0 0 0 Tmwl $0 $0 $0 $0 L Other Volunteer Support Costs Onmrunications 0 0 0 0 PrinCvtg 0 0 0 0 Logistics 0 0 0 0 Torsi $0 $0 $0 $0 J.Indirect Costs Section 1.Subtotal $0 $0 $0 $0 Section II.Volunteer Expenses A. Personnel Expanses LNing Allowances Full Time(Federal) 35,028 0 0 35,028 Full Time(non-Federal) 11,676 0 11,676 0 Sumner Associate(Federal) Sumner Associate(non-Federal) Edaeation and End of Service Aw ands Education Aw and 22,200 p 0 22,200 Education Aw ard-Summer Associate 0 0 0 0 End of Service Stipend-Regular 0 0 0 0 End of Service Stipend-Leader 0 0 0 0 End of Service Stipend-Sumter Associate 0 0 0 0 Total $68,904 $0 $11,876 $57,228 B.Fringe Benefits Health Insurance Health Insurance 10,800 0 0 10,800 FICA FIGO 0 0 0 0 Tetet $10,800 $0 $0 $10,800 C.Travel G.Other Volunteer Expenses Federal COLA Increase 0 0 0 0 Non-Federal COLAICostshare Increase 0 0 0 D Town $0 $0 $0 $0 Section ll.Subtotal $79,704 $0 $11,676 $68,028 Form424A ModiMed SR424A(4/88 and 12197) Page 1 RPT BGT_424 March 13,2015 5:39 FM Dubuque's Third Grade Reading Initiative vro9ramTyae: standard Coat share City of Dubuque Budget Totals $79,704 $0 $11,676 $80,028 Budget Total Percentage 0% 15% Required Match W. #of years Receiving CNCS Funds We Form 424A Mpd0led SF-424A(4/88 and 12197) Page 2 Budget Narrative for 15VS171636 Page 1 of Budget Narrative: Dubuque's Third Grade Reading Initiative for City of Dubuque Program Type: Standard Cost Share Section I. Volunteer Support Expenses A. Project Personnel Expenses PositioNTitle-Qty-Annual Salary-%Time CNCS Share Sharee TotalAmount Member Support Supervisor'.-perscn(s)at each x%usage � 0 CATEGORY Totals B. Personnel Fringe Benefits Item-Description CNCS Share gharee 11 TotalAmount Support FICA: F 01 F 01 tl Health Insurance: Retirement: 0 n Life Insurance: EU CATEGORY Totals F _o1E::EE=__�o C. Project Staff Travel Local Travel Purpose-Calculation CNCS Share gharee TotalAmount Member Support CATEGORY Tofals n Long Distance Travel Purpose- Destination-Other Travel-Trens.Amount-Meals/ Grantee Member Lodging CNCS Share Share TotalAmount Support CATEGORY Totals I e D. Equipment Item/Purpose-Description-Qty-Unit Cost CNCS Share gharee Total Amount Member PP CATEGORY Totals 0 0 � https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/report.isp?sid=vRSS VDJPGOSh4L2thhWzTtRtXtpvQF... 3/13/2015 Budget Narrative for 15VS171636 Page 2 of 4 E. Supplies Item-Calculation CNCS Share Ore Sharee Member TotalAmounl Support CATEGORY Totals E= 0 F. Contractual Service �J Grantee Member Payrell: Purpose-Calculation CNCS ShareO Share 0 TotalAmount0 Support 0 � � CATEGORY Totals 0 0 0 0 I. Other Volunteer Support Costs Item CNCS Share Grantee MemberShare TotalAmounl Support Communications: 0 01 0 Printing: 0000 Logistics: 0000 CATEGORY Totals F---o]F--o J. Indirect Costs Description-Negotiated Rate-Claimed Rate-Cost Type CNCS Share Sharee Total Amount Support CATEGORY Totals � 1E01F SECTION Totals 0 0 F 0 PERCENTAGE 0% 0% Section II. Volunteer Expenses A. Personnel Expenses Living Allowances Full Time (Federal) Description/Sites-#Mbrs-Allowance Rate CNCS ShareGShare Total Amount Support City of DubuquelDubuque County:-3x 11676 0 35,028 35.028 CATEGORY TotalsIF 0 35.028 35.028 https://egrmts.ens.gov/espan/main/report.j sp?sid=vRS5 V DJPGOSh4L2thh WzTtgtXtpvQF... 3/13/2015 Budget Narrative for 15 V S 171636 Page 3 of 4 Full Time (non-Federal) Description/Sites-#Mbrs-Allowance Rate CNC S Share .hare.. Member Total Amount Support City of Dubuque/Dubuque County:-1 x 11676 0 11.676 11,676 0 CATEGORY Totals 11.676 11,676 0 Summer Associate (Federal) GranteDescription/Sites-#Mbrs-Allowance Rale CNCS Share Share® Amount Supber port CATEGORY Tofals E== Summer Associate (non-Federal) Descripllon/Sites-#Mbrs-Allowance Rete ONCE Share Grantee Member Share TotalAmount Support CATEGORY Totals 0 0 0 Education and End of Service Awards Item-#Mbrs-Rate CNCS Share Gran se Member Share TotalAmount Support Education Award:-4 x 5550 0 0 22,200 22,200 Education Award-Summer Associate:-0x1175 011 0 0 11 End of Service Stipend-Regular:-0 x 1500 0 0 x 0 End of Service Stipend-Leader:-0 x 3000 0 0 a End of Service Stipend-Summer Associate:-0 x 250 0 0 OF 01 CATEGORY Totals __70 22,200 22,200 B. Fringe Benefits Health Insurance Item/Descnplion-#Mbrs-Rate ONCE Share Sharee TotalAmount Member Support Health Insurance:-4x2700 �� 10.800 10.800 CATEGORY Totals o1 0 10800 10.800 FICA IIemlDescription-Rate %)-Stipend Amount CNntreee tlAmountMemerCGhSupport https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/report.isp?sid=vRS5 VDJPGOSh4L2thh WzTtvtXtDvOF... 3/13/2015 Budget Narrative for 15 V S 171636 Page 4 of 4 FICA:-Oz5.65% 0 0 r— C CATEGORY Totals 0 C. Travel IteMDescripticn-Calculation CNCS Share Grantee Member Share Total Amount Support CATEGORY To[als �� 0 O G. Other Volunteer Expenses Item-Description CNCS Share Grantee Share Tota[Amount Sumort PP Federal COLA Increase: 4 0 Non-Feeerel COLA/Costshare Increase: 0000 CATEGORY Totals =:EO =0 E—o SECTION To[als F—�o 11.676 ]9704 68.028 PERCENTAGE 0% 15% D BUDGET Totals LO11.6]6 ]9.70468.028 PERCENTAGE Total MSYs 4.00 L--1L-- � Source of Funds Section Description Section I.Volunteer Support Expenses Section II.Volunteer Expenses https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/report.jsp?sid=vRS5 VDJPGOSh4L2thbWzTtgtXtpvQF... 3/13/2015 ASSURANCES Page 1 of ASSURANCES As the duly authorized representative of the applicant,I certify,to the best of my knowledge and belief,that the applicant: • Has the legal authority N apply for federal assistance,and the institutional,managerial,and financial capability(including funds sufficient to pay the non-federal share of project costs)to ensure proper planning,management,and completion ofthe project described in this application. • Will give the awarding agency,the Comptroller General ofthe United States,and if appropriate,the state,through any authorized representative,access to and the right to examine all records,books,papers,or documents related to the award;and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or agency directives. • Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their position for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest,or personal gain. • Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding agency. • Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970(42 U.S.0 4728-4763)relating to prescribed standards for merit systems for programs funded under one of the nineteen statutes or regulations specified in Appendix A of OPM's Standards for a Merit System of Personnel Administration(5 CFR 900,Subpart F). • Will comply with all federal statutes relating N nondiscrimination.These include but are not limited to:Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964(P.L. 88-352)which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,color,or national origin;(b)Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,as amended(20 U.S.C. 1681-1683,and 1685-1686).which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex;(c)Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,as amended(29 U.S.C.794),which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability(d)The Age Discrimination Act of 1975,as amended(42 U.S.C.6101-6107),which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age;(e)The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972(P.L.92-255),es amended,relating m nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse;(1)The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention,Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970(P.L.91-616),as amended relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism;(g)sections 523 and 527 of the Public Health Service Act of 1912(42 U.S.C.290dd-3 and 290cc-3),as amended,relating to confidentiality of alcohol and ding abuse patient records;(h)Title VIII ofthe Civil Rights Act of 1968(42 U.S.C.3601 et seq.),as amended,relating to nondiscrimination in the sale,rental or financing ofhousing;(i) any other nondiscrimination provisions in the National and Community Service Act of 1990,as amended;and 0)the requirements ufmy other nondiscrimination statute(s)which may apply to the application. • Will comply,or has already complied,with the requirements of Titles II and HI of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970(P.L.91-646)which provide for fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result offederal or federally assisted programs.These requirements apply to all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of federal participation in purchases. • Will comply with the provisions of the Hatch Act(5 U.S.C. 1501-1508 and 7324-7328)which limit the political activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds. • Will comply,as applicable,with the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act(40 U.S.0 276a and 276a-77),the Copeland Act(40 U.S,C 276c and 18 U.S.C.874),and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act(40 U.S.C.327-333),regarding labor standards for Federally assisted construction sub-agreements. • Will comply,if applicable,with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a)ofthe Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973(P.L.93-234)which requires the recipients in a special flood hazard area N participate in the program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is$10,000 or more. • Will comply with environmental standards which may be prescribed pursuant to the following:(a)institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969(P.L.91-190)and Executive Order(EO)11514;(b)notification of violating facilities pursuant N EO 11738;(e)protection of wetlands pursuant N EO 11990;(d)evaluation of flood hazards in floodplain in accordance with EO 11988;(e)assurance of project consistency with the approved state management program developed under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972(16 U.S.0 1431 at seq.); (f)conformity of federal actionsta State(Clean Air)Implementation Plans under Section 176(e)of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as amended(42 U.S.C.7401 et seq.);(g)protection of underground sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974,as amended(P.L.93-523);and(h)protection of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended(P.L.93-205). • Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968(16 U.S.0 1271 et seq.)related to protecting components or potential components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. • Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended(16 U.S.C.470),ED 11593(identification and protection of historic properties),and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974(16U.S.C.469a-1 at seq.). https://eg=ts.ens.gov/cnsmisc/cAssu .htm 3/13/2015 ASSURANCES Page 2 of 4 • Will comply with P.L.93-348 regarding the protection of human subjects involved in research,development,and related activities supported by this award of assistance. • Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966(P.L.89-544,as amended,7 U.S.C.2131 et seq.)pertaining to the care,handling,and treatment fwarm blooded animals held for research,teaching,or other activities supported by this award of assistance. • Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act(42 U.S.C.§§4801 at seq.)which prohibits the use of lead based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures. • Will cause to be performed the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act of 1984,as amended,and OMB Circular A-133,Audits of States,Local Governments,and Non-Profit Organizations. • W I II comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws,executive orders,regulations,application guidelines, and policies governing this program. For AmeriCorps State and National Applicants ONLY ffyou are not applying for a grow through AmeriCorps"State and National,you may ignore this section. • Will comply with all rules regarding prohibited activities,including those stated in applicable Notice,grant provisions,and program regulations,and will ensure that no assistance made available by the Corporation will be used to support any such prohibited activities. • Will comply with the nondiscrimination provisions in the national service laws,which provide that an individual with responsibility for the operation ofa project or program that receives assistance under the national service laws shall not discriminate against a participant in,or member of the staff of,such project or program on the basis of race,color,national origin,sex,age,political affiliation,disability,or on the basis ofreligion. (NOTE:the prohibition on religious discrimination does not apply to the employment of any staff member paid with non-Corporation funds or paid with Corporation funds but employed with the organization operating the project prior to or on the date the grant was awarded.Ifyour organization is a Faith-based organization that makes hiring decisions on the basis of religious belief,your organization may be entitled,under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act,42 U.S.C.§2000bb,to receive federal funds and yet maintain that hiring practice, even though the national service legislation includes a restriction on religious discrimination in employment of staff hired to work on a Corporation-funded project and paid with Corporation grant funds. (42 U.S.C.§§5057(c)and I2635(c)). For the circumstances under which this may occur,please see the document"Effect ofthe Religious Freedom Restoration Act on Faith-Based Applicants for Grants"on the Corporation's website at:hop//www.usdoi.govlarchive/fbeUeffect-rfmodf. • Will comply with all other federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination,including any sel&evaLuation requirements. These include but are not limited to:(a)Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964(P.L.88-352)which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,color,or national origin;(b)Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,as amended(20 U.S.C. 1691-1683, and 1685-1686).which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex;(c)Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Ad of 1973,as amended(29 U.S.C.794),which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps(d)The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended(42 U.S.C.6101-6107),which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age;(e)The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972(P.L.92-255),as amended,relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse;(U The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention,Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970(P.L.91-616),as amended,relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism;(g)sections 523 and 527 of the Public Health Service Act of 1912(42 U.S.C.290 dd-3 and 290 cc-3),as amended,relating to confidentiality of alcohol and dmg abuse patient records;(h)Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968(42 U.S.C.3601 at seq.),as amended,relating to nondiscrimination in the sale,rental or financing of housing;and(i)the requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to the application. • Will provide,in the design,recruitment and operation of any AmeriCorps program,for broad-based input from—(1)the community served,the municipality and government of the county(if appropriate)in which the community is located,and potential participants in the program;and(2)community-based agencies with a demonstrated record of experience in providing services and local labor organizations representing employees of service sponsors,ifthess articles exist in the area in be served by the program; • Will,prior in the placement of participants,consult with the appropriate local labor organization,if any,representing employees in the area who are engaged in the same or similar work as that proposed to be carried out by an AmeriCorps program,to ensure corral units with the nondisplacement requirements specified in section 177 of the NCSA; • Will,in the case of an AmeriCorps program that is not funded through a State,consult with and coordinate activities with the Stare Commission for the state in which the program operates. https://egrants.cns.gov/cnsmisc/eAssur.htm 3/13/2015 ASSURANCES Page 3 of 4 • Will ensure that any national service program carried out by the applicant using assistance provided under section 121 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and any national service program supported by a giant made by the applicant using such assistance will address unmet human,educational,environmental,or public safety needs through services[hat provide a direct benefit to the community in which the service is performed; • Will comply with the nonduplication and nondisplacement requirements set out in section 177 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990,and in the Corporation's regulations at§2540.100; • Will comply with the grievance procedure requirements asset out in section 176(f)of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and in the Corporation's regulations at 45 CFR§2540.230; • Will provide participants in the national service program with the training skills,and knowledge necessary for the projects that participants are called upon to perform; • Will provide support services to participants,such as information regarding G.E.D.attainment and post-service employment, and,if appropriate,opportunities for participants to reflect on their service experiences; • Will arrange for an independent evaluation of any national service program carried out using assistance provided to the applicant under section 121 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 or,with the approval of the Corporation, conduct an internal evaluation of the program; • Will apply measurable performance goals and evaluation methods,which are to be used as par[of such evaluation to determine the program's impact on communities and persons served by the program,on participants who take part in the projects,and in other such areas as required by the Corporation; • Will ensure the provision of living allowance and other benefits to participants as required by the Corporation; • Has not violated a Federal criminal statute; • If a state applicant,will ensure that the State subgmnls will be used to support national service programs selected by the State on a competitive basis; • If a slate applicant,will seek to ensure an equitable allocation within the State of assistance and approved national service positions,taking into consideration such factors as the locations of the programs,population density,and economic distress; • If a state applicant,will ensure that not less than 60%of the assistance will be used to make grants to support national service programs other than those carried out by a State agency,unless the Corporation approves otherwise. For Learn and Serve America Applicants ONLY lfyou are not applying for a grant throagh Learn and Serve America you may disregard this section. • Will keep such records and provide such information to the Corporation with respect to the programs as may be required for fiscal audits and program evaluation. • Will comply with the nondupiication,nondisplacement,and grievance procedure requirements of 45 CFR Part 2540. • Will,prior to the placement of a participant,consult with the appropriate local labor organization,if any,representing employees in the area who are engaged in the same or similar work as that proposed to be carried out by the program,to prevent the displacement and protect the lights of those employees. • Will comply with the 45 CFR 2540.200-207 criminal history check requirements for all individuals receiving a living allowance,stipend,national service educational award,or salary through a program receiving assistance under the national service laws—regardless of the type of service the individual is performing or the individual's access to vulnerable populations. • Will comply with the parental involvement requirements 45 CFR 2540.330. • Will,for school-based grants,make efforts to: 1, ensure that students of different ages,rates,sexes,ethnic groups,disabilities,and economic backgrounds have opportunities to serve together; 2. include any opportunities for students,enrolled in schools or programs of education providing elementary or secondary education,to participate in service-learning programs and ensure that such service-learning programs include opportunities for such students to serve together; https://egrants.cns.gov/cnsmisc/eAssur.htm 3/13/2015 ASSURANCES Page 4 of 4 3. involve participants in the design and operation of the programs; 4, promote service-learning in areas of greatest need,including low-income or rural areas;and 5. otherwise integrate service opportunities into the academic program of the participants. For Social Innovation Fund Applicants ONLY Ifyou are not applying for a Social Innovation Fund grant,you may disregard this section. • Will use the funds received through the award in order to make subgrants to community organizations that will use the funds to replicate or expand proven initiatives,or support new initiatives,in low-income communities. • Will consult with a diverse cross section of community representatives in making decisions about subgrants for communities (including individuals from the public,nonprofit private,and far-profit private sectors). • Will make subgrants of a sufficient size and scope to enable the community organizations to build their capacity to manage initiatives,and sustain replication or expansion of the initiatives; • Will not make any subgrants to-- • the parent organizations ofthe applicant, • a subsidiary organization ofthe parent organization afthe applicant,or, • if the applicant applied for a SIF award as a partnership,any member ofthe partnership. • Commits to meeting the matching fund requirements of section 198k(i)ofthe National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.§12653k(i)). • Commits to use data and evaluations to improve the applicant's own model and to improve the initiatives funded by the applicant • Commits cooperate with any evaluation activities undertaken by the Corporation. • Has adopted and implemented standard of conduct policies and procedures in regard to procurements which meet the requirements of either 45 C.F.R.§2541,360(6)(3),or 2 C.F.R.§215.42 and 45 CRR§2543.42. • Has adopted and implemented policies and procedures in regard to the applicant's subgrant competitions which will provide reasonable assurance that conflicts of interest(or appearances of conflicts of interest)on the part of reviewers or decision- makers we identified and appropriately mitigated. https://egrmts.cns.gov/cnsmise/eAssu .htm 3/13/2015 CERTIFICATIONS Page 1 of 3 CERTIFICATIONS Certification—Debarment,Suspension,and Other Responsibility Matters This certification is required by the govemment-wide regulations implementing Executive Order 12549,Debarment and Suspension,2 CFR Part 180,Section 180.335, What information must]provide before entering into a covered transaction with a Federal agency? As the duly authorized representative of the applicant,)certify,to the best of my knowledge and belief,that neither the applicant nor its principals: • Is presently excluded or disqualified; • Has been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in§ 180.800(a)or had a civil judgment rendered against it for one of those offenses within that time period; • Is presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity(Federal,State, or local)with cornmission or any of the offenses listed in§180.800(a);or • Has had one or more public transactions(Federal, State,or local)terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default. Certification—Drug Free Workplace This certification is required by the Corporation's regulations implementing sections 5!50.5160 of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988(P.L. 100-690),45 CFR Part 2545,Subpart B. The regulations require certification by grantees,prior to award,that they wil I make a good faith effort,on a continuing basis,to maintain a drug-free workplace. The certification set out below is a material representation of fact upon which reliance will be placed when the agency determines to award the grant. False certification or violation of the certification may be grounds for suspension of payments,suspension or termination of grants,or government-wide suspension or debarment(see 2 CFR Part 180,Subparts G and H). As the duly authorized representative of the grantee,I certify,in the best of my knowledge and belief,that the grantee wil I provide a drug-free workplace by: A. Publishing a drug-free workplace statement that: U. Notifies employees that the unlawful manufacture,distribution,dispensing,possession,or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace; b. Specifies the actions that the grantee will take against employees for violating that prohibition;and C. Informs employees that,as a condition of employment under any award each employee will abide by the terms of the statement and notify the grantee in writing if the employee is convicted for a violation of a criminal dmg statute occurring in the workplace within five days of the conviction; B. Requiring that a copy of the statement described in paragraph(A)be given to each employee who will be engaged in the performance of any Federal award; j C. Establishing a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about: a. The dangers of drag abuse in the workplace; b. The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; C. Any available drug counseling,rehabilitation,and employee assistance programs;and d. The penalties that the grantee may impose upon them for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace; D. Providing us,as well as any other Federal agency on whose award the convicted employee was working,with written notification within 10 calendar days of learning that an employee has been convicted of a drug violation in the workplace;. E. Taking one of the following actions within 30 calendar days of teaming that an employee has been convicted of a drug violation in the workplace: a. Taking appropriate personnel action against the employee,up to and including termination;or b. Requiring that the employee participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assismace or rehabilitation program approved for these purposes by a Federal,State,or local health,law enforcement,or other appropriate agency; F. Making a good faith effort to matinue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs(A)through (E). https://egratits.cns.gov/cnsmisc/eCerts.htm 3/13/2015 CERTIFICATIONS Page 2 of 3 Certification-Lobbying Activities As required by Section 1352,Title 31 of the U.S.Code,as the duly authorized representative of the applicant,I certify,to the best of my knowledge and belief,that: • No federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid,by or on behalf of the applicant,to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency,a member of Congress,an officer of Congress in connection with the awarding of any federal contract,the making of any federal loan,the entering into of any cooperative agreement,or modification army federal contract,grant,loan,or cooperative agreement, • If any funds other than federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency,a member of Congress,an officer or employee of Congress,or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with this federal contract,grant,loan,or cooperative agreement,the applicant will submit Standard Form-LLL,"Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,"in accordance with its instructions, • The applicant will require that the language ofthis certification be included in the award documents for of subcontracts at all tiers(including subcontracts,subgrants,and contracts under grants,loans and cooperative agreements)and that all subrecipients will certify and disclose accordingly. Certification-Grant Review Process(State Commissions Only) I certify that in conducting our review process,we have ensured compliance with the National and Community Service Act of 1990,the Corporation's peer review requirements,and all state laws and conflict of interest rules. For AmerlCorps State and National Applicants ONLY Ifyou are not applying jar a grant through AmeriCorps•SIate and National,you may ignore this section. Erroneous certification or assurance The assurances and certifications are material representations of fact upon which we rely in determining whether to enter into this transaction. If we later determine that you knowingly submitted an erroneous certification or assurance,in addition to other remedies available to the federal government,we may terminate this transaction for cause or default. Notice of error in certification or assurance You must provide immediate written notice to us if at any time you loam that a certification or assurance was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous because of changed circumstances. Definitions The terms"debarment","suspension","excluded","disqualified","ineligible","participant","person","principal',"proposer,and "volunwily excluded"as used in this document brave the meanings set out in 2 CFR Pan 180,subpart 1,"Definitions." A transaction shall be considered a"covered transaction"if it meets the definition in 2 CFR part 180 subpart B,"Covered Transactions." Assurance requirement for aubgrant agreements You agree by submitting this proposal that if we approve your application you shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred,suspended,declared ineligible,or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction,unless authorized by us. Assurance inclusion in aubgrant agreements You agree by submitting this proposal that you will obtain an assurance from prospective participants in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions that the participants are not debarred,suspended,ineligible,or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction. Assurance of aubgrant principals You may rely upon an assurance of a prospective participant in a lower-tier covered transaction that is not debarred,suspended, ineligible,or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction,unless you know that the assurance is erroneous. You may decide the method and frequency by which you determine the eligibility ofyour principals. You may,but are not required to,check the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs. Non-assurance in subgrant agreements If you knowingly enter into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended,debarred,ineligible,or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction,in addition to other remedies available to the federal government,we may terminate this transaction for cause or default. Prudent person standard Nothing contained in the aforementioned may be constmed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the assurances and certifications required. Your knowledge and information is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings. https://egrants.ens.gov/cnsmisc/eCerts.htm 3/13/2015 CERTIFICATIONS Page 3 of 3 httns://eprmts.cns.gov/cnsmise/eCerts.htm 3/13/2015 shlrley Homtman I D,,.&gro/sbdaq,sgm.c shorsumaradbgschools.org 10563/552-3083 I F563/552-3102 2300Chaney Road I Dubuque.Iowa 52001-3059 1 wwwdbgschools.og Dubuque COMMUNITY SCHOOLS March 10,2015 To Whom it May Concern: The Dubuque Community Schools support the work of the AmeriCorps VISTA's as a part of the community- wide Third Grade Reading Campaign. The Dubuque Schools will continue to host the three VISTA's that work in the areas of school readiness,school attendance,and data. As the host,we will give each VISTA a dedicated work area supplied with a computer, phone, and other necessary office supplies. In addition,each of these VISTA's will be supervised by the Early Childhood Coordinator, the Director of Student Services,and/or the Associate Superintendent.These supervisors will meet regularly with the VISTA's to guide and support the work that they do. In addition,the Dubuque Schools will also contribute financially to the cost of the AmeriCorps VISTA's who work on the community-wide Third Grade Reading Campaign. Sincerely, Shirley Horstman March 12, 2015 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to thank the City of Dubuque for support and commitment to youth through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. This program has supported the work of the Dubuque Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and the ability to serve thousands of students over the past two years. Together with partners in the community, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading focuses on helping communities and policymakers promote school readiness and quality teaching, tackle chronic absence, and improve summer learning, as well as engage parents as their children's first teachers. The Grade-Level AmeriCorps VISTAS work directly with partners in each of our focus areas: School Readiness, Summer Learning, Attendance and Data. With the assistance of the AmeriCorps VISTAS, our partners are able to develop best-practice summer learning strategies, collect and analyze data to develop chronic absence strategies, and offer support in establishing a quality rating for early childhood programs. Additionally, the VISTAS have been critical in engaging the community around events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event and the community-wide book drive which generated more than 6,000 books and served more than 400 low-income families within Dubuque. As a partner who collaborates with the City of Dubuque Grade-Level Reading AmeriCorps VISTAS, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) will continue to meet with the VISTAS on a regular basis and ensure that progress of the Campaign Community Solutions Action Plan is made. Additionally, CFGD will provide opportunities for the VISTAS to facilitate partner meetings and Campaign projects. Thanks to your support, progress is being made. Yet we know more work remains in order to achieve our mission. We support the AmeriCorps VISTA program and ask for future and continued support of the AmeriCorps VISTAS to ensure that every child has an opportunity to rL ead by the end of 3'd grade. e Kroger Q`"" Every Child/Every Promise Coordinator Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque le� The Roshek Building Phone: 0 CommuNiTy FOUNDATION 700 Locust Street,Suite 195 office@dbqfaundation.org Dubuque, rr