Charter School Program (CSP) Grant

Charter School Program (CSP) Grant

Overview: New Schools for Alabama administers the Charter School Program (CSP) Grant Competition to support the launch of new, high-quality charter schools in Alabama.

Funding Source: Funded by a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to New Schools for Alabama to support the growth of fifteen (15) new, high-quality charter schools over five years.

Award Structure:

Amount: Three-year grants ranging from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 per school

Recipients selected in cycles (2020, 2021, 2022 cycles documented)

Geographic Scope: Alabama

Focus Areas:

New charter school startups

Schools serving 60% or greater economically disadvantaged populations

Diverse academic models including:

- STEM-focused schools
- Competency-based learning schools
- Project-based learning schools
- Schools focused on social-emotional health
- Career/technical schools (e.g., aviation)

Eligibility:

Aspiring charter school founders and organizations

Schools planning to launch in Alabama

Non-recipients remain eligible to apply in subsequent cycles until the school opens

Application Timeline: Applications released annually; next cycle typically announced in fall

Selection Process:

Phase 1 - Desk Audit Phase: Written application submitted with supporting documentation, evaluated against research-based rubric

Phase 2 - Interview Phase: Selected applicants present to CSP Selection Committee and respond to questions

Committee: Four individuals with substantial relevant experience

Contact Information:

Phone: 205-549-3214

Email: candie@newschoolsforalabama.org

Organization Background: New Schools for Alabama is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity organization created to serve kids in Alabama. The organization supports the growth of excellent public charter schools, recruits high-caliber leaders to establish new schools in underserved communities, and fosters a policy environment that supports charter school growth.