Colorado Academic Accelerator Grant: CO-AAP

What is the Colorado Academic Accelerator Grant?

The CO-AAP grant program seeks to establish or expand community learning centers that will accelerate student learning by providing academic support and enrichment as well as family engagement activities in Out of School Time programs focused on STEM, particularly math and science. OST programs are regularly attended by students and their families when school is not in session.

The CO-AAP grant is authorized through the Math In Pre-kindergarten Through Twelfth Grade law (C.R.S. 22-2-146.6). This grant program seeks to increase students’ proficiency and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and math through their participation in academic and enrichment activities occurring in funded community learning centers during out-of-school time (before school, after school, summer, etc.).

Why is CO-AAP Important?

Through their funded community learning centers, eligible entities will:

• Provide opportunities for free academic enrichment and support activities, which must include providing tutorial services to help students, particularly students who attend high-needs schools, as determined by the department, to meet rigorous state academic standards, specifically in stem and mathematics, and to increase proficiencies in mathematics outcomes; and
• Offer families of students opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in students' education, including opportunities for mathematics literacy and related educational development.

Who was awarded and where will CO-AAP programs take place?

This grant was exceptionally competitive, and we are happy to report that CO-AAP centers have been established throughout the state, check out the grantees in this resource! 

How were funds distributed and what is House Bill 23-1231 Improving Mathematics Outcomes in K-12?

Funds: CDE will award approximately $8 million in Colorado Academic Accelerator Program funds this year. Applicants to this grant may apply for up to $180,000 per center per year.  CDE will award approximately $24 million in state funds over the three-year grant period. It is anticipated that awarded applicants in year one will receive funds for the second and third year of the grant program as well.

House Bill: According to statute, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is required to prioritize grant applicants that:

• Adopt intervention strategies;
• Use evidence-informed programs that build student skills in STEM and mathematics;
• Use digital math accelerator programs;
• Serve high-needs students, as determined by the department;
• Have an established presence and relationship in the community; and
• Have demonstrated in the application how the eligible entity will meet the needs of diverse student populations.