Funding opportunities.

It's a new year, which usually means new grant competitions. This year is no exception. For example, the popular Early Reading First Program supports local efforts to enhance the oral language, cognitive, and early reading skills of preschool-age children, particularly those from low-income families, through strategies, materials, and professional development. The competition is open to high-need school districts (http://www.ed.gov/programs/earlyreading/eligibility.html) and organizations (public or private) within those districts. The deadline for transmittal of pre-applications is February 21, while the deadline for applications is May 8. The AP Test Fee Program, whose competition is limited to states, covers all or part of the cost of test fees for needy children who are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Applications are due February 21. The Charter Schools Program seeks to expand the number of high-quality charter schools by providing financial assistance for planning, program design, initial implementation, and proper evaluation. The competition is open to states with a charter law and charter schools within states that elect not to participate or do not have an application approved. The deadline for applications is March 10. http://www.ed.gov/GrantApps/ lists all competitions that are currently underway and provides links to electronic application packages, forms, and other critical information.