Clarification on Eligibility:

• Can a district with a growing low-income student population that is not yet at 25% still apply?

• To qualify, a district must have a student population with at least 25% of the students who are from low-income families.

• If a district has some existing mental health services, but does not have a fully implemented tiered program, can it still qualify?

• Yes. Districts must demonstrate at least three of the six interventions outlined in the RFP. 

• What is the selection rubric? How will Opportunity Labs assess "demonstrable and sustained investments" in mental health services? (Are specific funding levels or programs expected?)

• Proposals will be evaluated based on eligibility criteria outlined in the RFP.

• When are the dates for the in-person and virtual events? What happens if I cannot attend all events?

• The kickoff meeting is scheduled for June 24-26, 2024. It is mandatory for districts to commit to sending a representative to this meeting in person.

• Do districts need to commit to investing in school-based mental and behavioral health services to participate? 

• Districts are not required to commit to investing in school-based mental and behavioral health services in order to participate. The emphasis is on thoughtfully considering the trade-offs in a context-specific manner.

Application Completion:

• Are there any specific formatting requirements for the application document? (e.g., font size, page limits).

• Please follow all directions in the RFP Submission Portal. 

• Does the application need to be submitted electronically?

• All applications should be submitted electronically through the RFP Submission Portal. 

• Is there a specific deadline for submitting questions before the final application deadline?

• All questions must be submitted by April 26, 2024; answers to common questions posted to this FAQ page.

Selection Process:

• Will shortlisted districts be interviewed before the final selection?

• No, we will not be holding any interviews.

• What is the timeline for notification after application submission?

• Submitting districts will be notified whether their submission has been accepted or rejected by June 1, 2024.

• Will Opportunity Labs provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants?

• No, Opportunity Labs reserves the right to reject any portions of or all proposals without giving reason for the rejection.

Additional Considerations:

• Is there an opportunity for districts to propose alternative structures for participation (e.g., sending multiple representatives)?

• District must appoint a dedicated representative for participation.

• Is the $20,000 grant to districts unrestricted? 

• Yes. 

• What travel costs are covered? 

• Opportunity Labs will cover ground and air transportation to and from the in-person gathering. Additionally, lodging and meals will be provided. Districts selected for participation will receive additional details about reimbursement processes.