During Phase I, stations will use project funds to participate in a series of trainings related to the RTL 2020-25 learning priorities: functional literacy, critical and computational thinking, executive function and career readiness, with a focus on intergenerational learning and accessibility. Stations will also develop a stronger understanding of the RTL target audience: children ages two to eight from low-income communities, along with their families, caregivers, and educators. Further, stations will complete training in inclusive and equitable facilitation to support RTL’s commitment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Finally, stations will be introduced to the RTL Community Assets & Needs Assessment (“CANA”) tool, which they will utilize in their station’s service area to identify potential sites, partners, and strategies for developing a Learning Neighborhood. At the conclusion of Phase I, stations will submit a Learning Neighborhood proposal; the 18 proposals will be selected for funding over a two-year period.
Phase I will begin no earlier than October 1, 2022 and conclude no later than May 31, 2023. Phase II will begin no earlier than October 1, 2023 and conclude no later than September 30, 2025. Both phases are contingent on the continuation of annual federal grant awards to CPB for the RTL program.
In order to be eligible to apply for funding, stations must currently be a CPB community service grant recipient in good standing and have engaged in the following activities within the last five years:
● implemented recent RTL content and models;
● engaged with families in low-income communities;
● participated in early learning initiatives; and
● a demonstrated commitment by the station’s leadership and community partners to the above activities.
