Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP)

Funding Description

Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) provides start-up funds for the establishment of new specialized programs in grades nine through twelve in California high schools. The programs are expected to develop new standards-based model curriculum that promote an in-depth study of a targeted content area. The Legislature intends for SSP to benefit the state economy by having schools located in close proximity to related industries. Funding is available for planning and implementing new programs.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants	Local educational agencies
Required Eligibility Criteria	The proposed program must be new to the school and serve students in at least two consecutive grades nine through twelve. All California public high schools including continuation high schools, county offices of education, consortia of LEAs, and direct-funded charter schools, are eligible to apply for SSP planning grants.
Other Eligibility Considerations	The SSP funding cannot be used to supplement an existing California Partnership Academy, Linked Learning pathway, or other existing programs, competitions, or clubs at the school. The SSP funding is for new and innovative programs. High schools that currently have these types of programs may apply for a SSP grant if the focus of the SSP is significantly different from that of the existing programs (e.g. an unrelated/different pathway).
Eligible Grade Level(s)	9, 10, 11, 12
Eligible Age Level(s)	Not applicable

Funding

Legal Authority	California Education Code sections 58800-58806; Budget Item 6100-122-0001.
Source / Type	State / Grant
State Fiscal Year	2015-16
SACS Resource / Revenue Codes	7370 / 8590
Total Available	$4,892,000
Recipient Amount	Up to $100,000
Match Requirement	No
Allocation Formula	$3,392,000 of SSP funds are distributed to schools planning and implementing new programs and $1,500,000 for two that receive a legislated apportionment.

Important Dates

Date Application Available	October 8, 2015
Due Date	December 4, 2015
Expected Notification Date	April 30, 2016

Additional Information

Application	Request for Applications (CA Dept of Education)  [http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r17/ssp15rfa.asp]
Background	Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) [http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/sspgen.asp]
Fiscal	Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) [http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/sspgen.asp]
Funding Results	Res-15: Specialized Secondary [http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r14/ssp15result.asp]
Other	SSP funds are used to fund new grants and for apportionment funding of two SSP recipients that worked in collaboration with the CSU system before 1991.

Contacts

Program	Charlene Cowan, CCowan@cde.ca.gov
Fiscal	High School Innovations and Initiatives Office, SSPrograms@cde.ca.gov
Division	Career & College Transition Division, 916-319-0893 (phone), 916-319-0168 (fax)