SUMMARY

The Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, a division of the French Embassy in the United States, works to expand equitable access to French language programs. In collaboration with educational organizations, school districts, and local education agencies, Villa Albertine promotes French language learning across all levels, offering diverse learners and educators the chance to engage with French language and culture. This initiative enriches educational experiences and strengthens ties between French and American communities.

One of the primary goals of Villa Albertine’s Education Department is to promote French as a World Language. With around 1.3 million students enrolled in French programs across U.S. public schools and 3,738 programs available in elementary and secondary education, students experience immersive learning that paves the way for university access and future careers. The purpose of this call for proposal is to support the existing and growing network of French as a World Language Program through the creation of initiatives and allocation of grants to support (1) pedagogical projects and implement (2) professional learning opportunities.

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 who:
  • Manage French as a World Language program;
  • Work for a school that has a program that will serve 20 or more students.

One application per school.
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/school district 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
  • Impact on student enrollment and engagement in the program
  • Diversity : Demonstrates inclusion of diverse student populations
  • 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 Villa Albertine grants will be disbursed)
OVERVIEW OF AVAILABLE GRANT AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
  • Pedagogical Project Grant
We invite teachers and administrators of American K-12 public schools, school districts, PTAs, and local education agencies (LEA) to apply for a grant to support a specific project aimed at supporting French as a World Language program. Applicants may request funds for educational resources, cultural activities, language certification and/or educational exchange/ school pairing.
  • Educational Resources include curriculum supports such as software, DVDs, subscription to TV5, etc. for your French class.
  • Organization of a Francophone Cultural Activity such as film screenings, workshops with francophone authors, theater clubs, and more. Create or develop a francophone environment in your school. For example, the purchase of books, DVDs, CDs, or games for the francophone section of your school library.
  • The cost of Language Certification (DELF-DALF) may be covered by the grant, offsetting registration costs. The DELF or DALF exam (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française / Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française) encompasses several types of DELF: DELF-DALF Junior and Scolaire (mainly for teenagers), and Prim (for children of primary school age). You can take the DELF/DALF exam at any of the 40 centers in the United States. Here is the list.
  • Educational Exchange/School Pairing: Through this initiative, schools and school districts can request funds to support school pairings in states where an MoU exists, or to create new partnerships. This funding can be used to facilitate and establish pen-pal programs, organize travel exchange programs, and encourage the exchange of ideas among students, teachers, and administrators.
Please note that the grant cannot be used to purchase electronic devices (headphones, chromebooks...), food, or furniture.
  • 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 world 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 World Language network.

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

This initiative provides selected teachers with training in curriculum development, classroom management and use of resources specific to French as a World Language, as well as the opportunity to network and work closely with professionals in the field. 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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