SUMMARY

This new call for proposals aligns with the strategy of streamlining the programs of the Villa Albertine - the French Institute for Culture and Education of the French Embassy, and the Albertine Foundation. By launching this call for proposals, the Villa Albertine and the Albertine Foundation aim to enhance efficiency and focus on key areas of collaboration and support in education. Additionally, this effort is part of a broader commitment to optimize resources and better serve the needs of both French and American communities, fostering stronger bilateral relations and impactful outcomes.

- Background

The French Heritage Language Program managed by the Villa Albertine - the French Institute for Culture and Education of the French Embassy, and the Albertine Foundation supports francophone immigrants and young Americans with francophone roots to preserve their linguistic and cultural heritage. FHLP focuses on enriching French language skills and celebrating Francophone cultures among underserved French heritage language speakers in the U.S.

- Definition

A French heritage language speaker is someone raised in a home where French is spoken, either by parents, caregivers, or both. These individuals often have personal, familial, or cultural connections to the French language and come from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of proficiency. Exposure to the broader English-speaking environment in the U.S. may result in greater English proficiency, but their unique linguistic journey remains significant.

Key distinctions from traditional world language learners:

- Heritage speakers have a direct connection to French through family, community, or cultural background.
- For heritage speakers, French often plays a central role in their identity and cultural heritage.
- They may require formal education to develop literacy and advanced proficiency in French.

- Call for Proposal

The purpose of this call for proposal is to support the existing and growing network of French as a Heritage Language Program through the creation of initiatives and allocation of grants to support (1) pedagogical projects and implement (2) professional learning opportunity.

Applicants may apply for these two different initiatives and grants by ranking their choices.

Please note that general overhead or administrative costs cannot be covered by the grant. This includes salaries for teachers and other staff.

The grant transfer will be made directly to the schools and/or districts. It is imperative to include bank details and a W9 in order to receive the funds. Funding will be provided to institutions directly and not to individuals.
ELIGIBILITY

Call for project is intended for Teachers, administrators and PTAs of
American K-12 public schools, school districts, state agencies and non-profit organizations who:

- Propose/ support French Heritage Language Programs
- Work for a institutions that have a French Heritage Language Programs that will serve 10 or more students.
- The grant must be used exclusively for French Heritage Language Program

One application per school/ institution.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:
  • Send a completed and updated W-9, no older than 2023 (If the application is selected, the grant will be disbursed to the entity whose name appears in box 1 of the W-9 form.)
  • Send your school's/school district's/ non-profit organization's bank information on official bank letterhead if you wish to receive the grant through wire.
  • Agree to submit a report expressing the challenges, opportunities, and impact of the project for which the grant was received.

SELECTION CRITERIA
These are criteria that are positive points and that will help us decide. We encourage schools to apply even if you do not meet all of them
  • Global or cross-cultural perspective
  • Diversity criterion
  • Have a large number of students impacted by the project
  • Title 1 Certification : Priority for schools with Title 1 status, serving low-income students
  • Long-term proposal
TIMELINE
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 2, 2025


December 16, 2024: Applications Open

March 2, 2025: Application Deadline  

April 14, 2025: Announcement of Results (Funding decisions will be announced & Applicants will receive an award or refusal letter by email)

April-May, 2025: Grant Agreement and Fund Disbursement (Applicants will receive a grant agreement to sign through DocuSign, once the grant agreement is signed by the school and the Albertine Foundation grants will be disbursed)
OVERVIEW OF AVAILABLE GRANT AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
  • Pedagogical Project Grant
We invite teachers, administrators, and community organizations involved with American school districts, state agencies, and K-12 public schools, who manage French heritage language programs, or after-school programs to apply for a grant up to $30,000. This grant should support a specific project that aligns with the objectives of the FHLP and contributes to fostering French language and Francophone cultures.

Program Areas:

Projects should address one or more of the following areas:

1. Language Proficiency and Academic Achievement
- Objective: Improve proficiency levels in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding French among heritage speakers.
- Activities: Implement intensive courses, provide tutoring/mentorship, and develop materials tailored to heritage learners.

2. Cultural Preservation and Promotion
- Objective: Maintain and celebrate the rich cultural traditions, history, and values associated with the French language.
- Activities: Host cultural events, workshops, and festivals; support traditional arts; and create platforms for storytelling and historical documentation.

3. Community Engagement and Outreach
- Objective: Strengthen the connection between heritage speakers and the broader Francophone community, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the French language.
- Activities: Create language exchange programs, conversational groups, and bilingualism awareness campaigns.

4. Validation of Skills for Heritage Students
- Objective: Certify French proficiency to enhance students' academic and professional prospects.
- Activities: Offer test prep for AP French or DELF-DALF, support Seal of Biliteracy applications, and host informational sessions on certification benefits.


Objectives and examples of financially supported projects :

- Preserve and strengthen French skills for heritage speakers.
- Offer high-quality programs such as AP French, college prep, and arts-based activities.
- Highlight Francophone cultures, especially from West Africa and the Caribbean.
- Celebrate diversity by integrating students' cultures into the curriculum.
- Use French to support social integration, academic success, and broader opportunities in their new environment.
  • Learning Opportunity : French For All Summer Institute
In response to the increasing demand for professional development opportunities, the annual French for All Summer Institute will empower educators to refine their pedagogical approaches and acquire new expertise, fostering both formal instruction and informal dialogue. This initiative will address professional, disciplinary, and methodological advancements in the field of French as a Heritage Language. In addition, educators from across the US will gather to cultivate a sense of community and share best practices within the French as a Heritage Language network.

Please note that this is not a grant but rather an application for professional learning opportunities for teachers.

The French Embassy will cover the cost of the training, housing (private room and shared bathroom), and meals during the Summer Institute. Please note that participants are responsible for their own transportation costs.
For any questions regarding the application process, please contact:

PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS BY E-MAIL.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

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