School Counselor Corps Grant Program

Over the nine-year history of the School Counselor Corps Grant Program, 365 secondary schools in 98 of 178 districts have participated, representing all regions throughout Colorado.  More than 270 licensed school counselors have served Colorado students, schools, districts and BOCES through the grant.

For more information on the School Counselor Corps Grant Program, please download the 2018 milestones. (PDF)

The 2021-2022 School Counselor Corps Grant Request for Application (RFA) is now available for LEPs to apply for funding to increase the availability and implementation of effective school-based counseling in order to increase the state graduation rate and increase the percentage of students who appropriately prepare for, apply to, and continue into postsecondary education.  

Available Funds: This application is being released but is contingent upon enacting pending appropriations to the School Counselor Corps program for 2021-2022 school year. Please complete the Intent to Apply to be informed of updates on this program, including funding updates. The Intent to Apply is due Friday, February 12, 2021, by 11:59 pm. Completion of the Intent to Apply is not required to submit an application.

The anticipated level of funding available for the 2021-2022 school year is approximately $500,000, for approximately 15 grant awards. Priority consideration will be given to Local Education Providers (LEPs) with schools that have not been previously funded. Schools are encouraged to apply with their “feeder” school(s), if applicable, (elementary applicants must apply with secondary feeder schools). The first year of the four-year grant cycle individual awards will range between $25,000 and $50,000. The first year of the grant is developmental and will focus on data collection, needs analysis, program development, and direct services. In the second, third, and fourth years of the grant, successful grantees may request up to $80,000 per funded school for implementation and increase of school counseling services. The final funding amount will be based on identified need as determined by the development year report.

Eligible Applicants: Education providers are eligible to apply for this opportunity to increase the number of school counselors for secondary and elementary students and the level of school counseling services provided. Districts are encouraged to apply with feeder schools. Elementary applicants must apply with secondary schools for which they are feeders.

Previous grant recipients will be asked to demonstrate how previously funded school counseling positions and successful programs, initiated through prior grant dollars, have been sustained. In addition, efficient use of previously awarded funds will be verified including the return of any unused funds to CDE.

An eligible Education Provider is defined as:

• A school district (on behalf of one or more schools);
• A Board of Cooperative Services (BOCES);
• A charter school (Note: the charter school’s authorizing district will be the fiscal agent, if funded); or
• An Institute Charter School.

Priority will be given to applicants that will serve:

• Schools at which the dropout rate exceeds the statewide average (2019-2020 annual dropout rate for the State of Colorado is 1.8);
• Schools with a high percentage of students who are eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch exceeding the statewide rate from 2019-20: 41%;
• Postsecondary remediation rates at secondary schools that exceed the statewide average of 25.9%; and
• Percentage of K-3 students identified with significant reading deficiency at elementary schools that exceed the statewide average of 16.3 (2019).

Each grant application must address needs specific to the individual district and schools. The submission of duplicate applications that are identical, except for names and descriptions of the eligible schools or district, will not be accepted.

Allowable Use of Funds: Funds may be used to supplement and not supplant any moneys currently being used to provide school counseling positions and/or activities.

Allowable activities include:

• Licensed school counselor salaries and benefits;
• Career awareness and postsecondary preparatory services;
• Professional development; and
• School counseling program development and implementation.

Funds may not be used for the following (including, but not limited to):

• Capital equipment;
• Building improvements, construction, or maintenance; or
• Administrative costs or incentives for students.

Duration of Grant: Grants will be awarded for a four-year term beginning in the 2021-2022 school year. Note: Each year of grant funding is contingent upon annual appropriations by the State Legislature.

Application Documents

An electronic copy of the application (in PDF format) and electronic budget (in Excel format) must be submitted to CompetitiveGrants@cde.state.co.us by Friday, March 19, 2021, by 11:59 pm. 

• 2021-2022 SCCGP Application
• 2021-2022 SCCGP Electronic Budget

Recorded Application Training Webinar

• 2021-2022 SCCGP Application Training Webinar Recording
• 2021-2022 SCCGP Application Training Webinar Presentation

Annual Reports

For the most current Annual Report, please select the following:

• 2020 School Counselor Corps Grant Program (PDF)

For all Archived Annual Reports, please select the following: 

• Archived Annual Reports 

 

Program Contact:

Email: schoolcounselorcorps@cde.state.co.us