School Counselor Corps Grant Program (SCCGP) Funding Opportunity

Introduction and Purpose:

The Request for Applications (RFA) is designed to distribute funds to eligible education providers pursuant to the requirements of the School Counselor Corps Grant Program (SCCGP), C.R.S. 22-91-101 through 22-91-105. The purpose of SCCGP is to increase the availability and implementation of effective school-based counseling to increase the state graduation rate and increase the percentage of students who appropriately prepare for, apply to, and continue into postsecondary education. 

Eligible Applicants:

Education providers are eligible to apply for this opportunity to increase the number of school counselors and level of school counseling services. Elementary applicants must apply with the secondary school(s) (middle and/or high schools) for which they are a feeder school. The secondary school(s) must either be included as part of this grant application or be a current SCCGP grantee. Elementary applications must address how early exposure to comprehensive school counseling programs prepares young students for postsecondary and workforce readiness. 

Local Education Providers (LEPs) are eligible to apply for this opportunity. An eligible LEP is: 

• A School District (on behalf of one or more schools); 

• A Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES); 

• A Charter School authorized by a School District; or  

• A Charter School authorized by the Charter School Institute. 

Available Funds and Duration of the Grant:

SCCGP is a four-year cohort grant cycle.

• Year one: awards range between $30,000 and $50,000 per application.

  • The first year of the grant is developmental year and will focus on data collection, needs analysis, program development, and direct services.

• Years two through four: successful grantees may request up to $90,000 per funded school.  

  •  Funding is for implementation and increasing the level of school counseling services.

Funding is contingent upon enacting pending appropriations to the SCCGP for 2024-2025 school year. There is a limit to how many sites are funded per application based on state allocations.

Allowable Use of Funds: 

Funds may be used to supplement and not supplant any monies currently being used to provide school counseling positions and/or activities. 

Allowable activities include: 

• Grant related travel to in-person required trainings and professional development; 
• Licensed school counselor salaries and benefits;
• Career awareness and postsecondary preparatory services;  
• Professional development;  
• School counseling program development and implementation; and 
• Consulting services. 

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

• Capital equipment; 
• Building improvements, construction, or maintenance; or 
• Indirect costs, or incentives for students and or staff. 

Priority Considerations:

Contact

If you have questions regarding the application, please email CompetitiveGrants@cde.state.co.us.