subpart 8 - learning anytime anywhere partnerships

20 USC 1070f - Findings

Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The nature of postsecondary education delivery is changing, and new technology and other related innovations can provide promising education opportunities for individuals who are currently not being served, particularly for individuals without easy access to traditional campus-based postsecondary education or for whom traditional courses are a poor match with education or training needs.
(2) Individuals, including individuals seeking basic or technical skills or their first postsecondary experience, individuals with disabilities, dislocated workers, individuals making the transition from welfare-to-work, and individuals who are limited by time and place constraints can benefit from nontraditional, noncampus-based postsecondary education opportunities and appropriate support services.
(3) The need for high-quality, nontraditional, technology-based education opportunities is great, as is the need for skill competency credentials and other measures of educational progress and attainment that are valid and widely accepted, but neither need is likely to be adequately addressed by the uncoordinated efforts of agencies and institutions acting independently and without assistance.
(4) Partnerships, consisting of institutions of higher education, community organizations, or other public or private agencies or organizations, can coordinate and combine institutional resources
(A) to provide the needed variety of education options to students; and
(B) to develop new means of ensuring accountability and quality for innovative education methods.

20 USC 1070f1 - Purpose; program authorized

(a) Purpose 
It is the purpose of this subpart to enhance the delivery, quality, and accountability of postsecondary education and career-oriented lifelong learning through technology and related innovations.
(b) Program authorized 

(1) Grants 

(A) In general 
The Secretary may, from funds appropriated under section 1070f–6 of this title make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, eligible partnerships to carry out the authorized activities described in section 1070f–3 of this title.
(B) Duration 
Grants under this subpart shall be awarded for periods that do not exceed 5 years.
(2) Definition of eligible partnership 
For purposes of this subpart, the term eligible partnership means a partnership consisting of 2 or more independent agencies, organizations, or institutions. The agencies, organizations, or institutions may include institutions of higher education, community organizations, and other public and private institutions, agencies, and organizations.

20 USC 1070f2 - Application

(a) Requirement 
An eligible partnership desiring to receive a grant under this subpart shall submit an application to the Secretary, in such form and containing such information, as the Secretary may require.
(b) Contents 
Each application shall include
(1) the name of each partner and a description of the responsibilities of the partner, including the designation of a nonprofit">nonprofit organization as the fiscal agent for the partnership;
(2) a description of the need for the project, including a description of how the project will build on any existing services and activities;
(3) a listing of human, financial (other than funds provided under this subpart), and other resources that each member of the partnership will contribute to the partnership, and a description of the efforts each member of the partnership will make in seeking additional resources; and
(4) a description of how the project will operate, including how funds awarded under this subpart will be used to meet the purpose of this subpart.

20 USC 1070f3 - Authorized activities

Funds awarded to an eligible partnership under this subpart shall be used to
(1) develop and assess model distance learning programs or innovative educational software;
(2) develop methodologies for the identification and measurement of skill competencies;
(3) develop and assess innovative student support services; or
(4) support other activities that are consistent with the purpose of this subpart.

20 USC 1070f4 - Matching requirement

Federal funds shall provide not more than 50 percent of the cost of a project under this subpart. The non-Federal share of project costs may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including services, supplies, or equipment.

20 USC 1070f5 - Peer review

The Secretary shall use a peer review process to review applications under this subpart and to make recommendations for funding under this subpart to the Secretary.

20 USC 1070f6 - Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.