My Brother's Keeper Challenge Grant

The My Brother's Keeper Challenge Grant is administered by the New York State Education Department as part of a statewide initiative aligned with the national My Brother's Keeper effort introduced during the Obama administration. The program is authorized under Chapter 53 of the laws of 2016 and reflects New York State’s commitment to improving outcomes for boys and young men of color. The grant serves as a strategic funding mechanism to support school districts in adopting comprehensive, research-based interventions that address educational disparities and promote long-term success from early childhood through career readiness. The primary purpose of the grant is to incentivize and support eligible public school districts in implementing cohesive cradle-to-career strategies. These strategies must focus on ensuring that students are prepared to enter school ready to learn, achieve reading proficiency by third grade, and gain financial literacy skills necessary for lifelong stability. The funding is designed as short-term support to catalyze sustainable initiatives at the district level, with the expectation that local entities will assume responsibility for ongoing program funding after the grant period concludes. Funding is awarded across three focus areas, with districts eligible to apply for one, two, or all three. Allowable uses of funds include program development, instructional enhancements, partnerships with community-based organizations, and initiatives that improve family engagement. The grant explicitly encourages collaboration between school districts and community stakeholders to strengthen support systems for students. A mandatory matching requirement of at least 15 percent of the awarded amount must be met through district resources, private contributions, other governmental sources, or in-kind services, provided these contributions directly support the grant’s objectives. Eligibility is restricted to New York State public school districts that meet specific demographic and performance criteria. These include thresholds for economically disadvantaged student populations, English language learner enrollment percentages, and graduation rates below a defined benchmark. These criteria ensure that funding is directed toward districts with demonstrated need and capacity for improvement. Only districts meeting at least one of the specified combinations of these indicators may apply. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal package, including one original and three paper copies, as well as an electronic submission via email. Required components include signed assurances from district leadership and adherence to formatting and submission guidelines. While a Notice of Intent to Apply is optional, it is encouraged to assist the Department in planning the review process. Applicants were also provided opportunities to submit questions prior to the deadline and attend an informational webinar. The application deadline for the 2023-2027 funding cycle was May 31, 2023, with submissions required by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The initial project period runs from September 1, 2023, through August 31, 2024, with the potential for continuation through August 31, 2027, contingent upon legislative appropriations. Funding for the first year totals up to 6,250,000 dollars statewide, with individual district awards ranging from 190,000 to 300,000 dollars depending on the number of focus areas addressed. Designated program and fiscal contacts are available through the New York State Education Department to support applicants and grantees.

Ensure alignment with required focus areas and demonstrate measurable impact on literacy and readiness outcomes