3-CCH Application Form.pdf

Texas Workforce Commission College Credit for Heroes

Application Form

About College Credit for Heroes

Tier I

Background and Overview

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has authorized the use of seven hundred, fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) of Workforce Innovation and

Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to award grants to Texas Institutions of Higher

Education (IHEs) for the implementation of College Credit for Heroes programs.

Timeline

The CCH program is tier-based. Tier 1 activities focus on planning and implementation. In this first year, successful Applicants will be awarded Tier 1 grants.

Grantees who successfully complete Tier I of the CCH program will become eligible for and will be encouraged to apply for the Tier II grant. Both grant cycles, Tiers I and II, are designed to allow time to develop and implement a program (Tier I) and then allow for refinement and growth of the program (Tier

II).

Tier 1 - Development

Successful Applicants will:

1) create an evaluation process that encompasses the full scope of a Veteran or Active-Duty Service Member's (VADSM) education history;

2) build a CCH Champions team;

3) support the CCH program by recruiting program champions to advocate for and promote to current VADSMs, alumni, and faculty;

4) implement the use of the American Council on Education's (ACE) Military

Guide and train all evaluation staff on the proficient use of the guide;

5) develop an evaluation and tracking system that uses Prior Learning

Assessments (PLA) to award credit; and

6) institute a sustainable tracking method to track the number of credits awarded toward credentials (for example, certificates, certifications, licenses) or degree plans.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are public or private Texas IHEs (for example, universities

(public and private); junior, and technical colleges) who will act as the fiscal agent and recipient of funds awarded through this project. Texas IHEs may apply for grants of up to two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000).

To be considered for an award, IHEs will:

• align with TWC priorities identified in the Commission's Strategic Plan;

• support an evaluation of a VADSM's holistic education, training, and experience, including:

o military training, education, and experience; and o civilian education completed and credentials obtained prior to or during military service;

• perform a holistic evaluation of a VADSM's education, training, and experience that will be used to award college credit towards:

o credentials (standalone or stackable) in targeted occupations that can be earned and applied towards a degree plan; or o a degree plan that the VADSM has chosen as a course of study;

• recruit faculty to become CCH Program champions;

• develop outreach strategies to inform and attract VADSMs;

• train all evaluation staff on the use of the ACE Military Guide;

https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/enterprise/docs/strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2023-to-2027-twc.pdf

• adopt the use of PLAs to fill the gaps of a VADSM's education and training history to award college credit towards a credential or degree plan; and

• develop a system to identify, track, record, and report the progress and outcomes of VADSMs in the CCH program.

Combat Arms Service Members Course Requirement

Participating IHEs will develop a leadership/business operations management course that aligns with the education, training, and practical experience of

Combat Arms VADSMs.

Historically, Combat Arms VADSMs have not been awarded college credit due to the nature of their military training. These VADSMs have completed several levels of leadership, management, and operational management education. The ACE

Guide provides recommendations on how the participating IHEs can apply and award college credit for these VADSMs.

Combat Arms VADSMs are considered to have the following Military Occupation

Specialties:

• Infantry

• Armor

• Cavalry

• Combat Engineer

• Field Artillery

• Air Defense

• Special Forces

• Aviation

Definitions and Acronyms

The following definitions and acronyms are applicable to this Application:

Unless a different definition is specified, or the context clearly indicates otherwise, the definitions and acronyms given to a term below apply whenever the term appears in this Application. All other terms have their ordinary and common meaning.

Active-Duty Service Member. A service member on active duty or full-time

National Guard duty, as defined in 10 U.S.C § 101(d)(3).

American Council on Education (ACE). A membership organization that mobilizes the higher education community to shape effective public policy and help institutions build their capacity through high-quality innovation. ACE is the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities and the only major higher education association to represent all types of United States (U.S.)

accredited, degree-granting institutions, including two-year and four-year, public and private.

American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide. The authoritative source for understanding the college-level equivalency of military training and experience, facilitating the transition of Service Members and Veterans into higher education. https://militaryguide.acenet.edu/

Applicant. Any legal entity that submits an Application in response to this RFA.

The term includes the individual submitting the Application who is authorized to sign the Application on behalf of the Applicant. Refer to Section 3, Applicant

Eligibility Requirements of this Solicitation for further guidance.

Application. Part of the Application packet, including the Application form and

Budget request form. The Application is mandatory.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title10/pdf/USCODE-2011-title10-subtitleA-partI-chap1-sec101.pdf

Budget. The financial plan for carrying out the project, as requested in the

Budget Request Form and formalized in the Grant Award, including required or committed cost sharing, if any, such as match or leverage. The TWC-approved

Budget in the Grant Award may differ from an Applicant’s requested Budget, as submitted in the Budget Request Form because of unallowable costs that TWC removes before executing the Grant Award; Grant Award Amendments executed during the Grant Period, if authorized; or for other reasons. Also refer to the

Budget request form, Grant Award, and Grant Period.

Budget Period. In a Grant Award, the time interval from the start date of a funded portion of an award to the end date of that funded portion during which

Grantees are authorized to incur financial obligations of the funds awarded.

Depending on the RFA, the Grant Period for a Grant Award may have more than one Budget Period, such as if the Application specifies that TWC Will fund a Grant

Award in increments, TWC exercises a Grant Award renewal option, if available, or for other reasons.

Budget Request Form. The Microsoft Excel document the Applicant uses to submit a proposed program Budget in response to this Application. The Budget

Request Form is mandatory and Will be submitted with the Application, in the original format, for the Application to be considered responsive. Applications received without the completed Request Form in Microsoft Excel will be disqualified.

CCH Program Champion. Current Veteran or Active-Duty Service Member

(VADSM) Students, alumni, and faculty who are participating or have participated in the CCH program to act as advocates and resources regarding the CCH program.

Day(s). The term “Day(s)” is defined as calendar Day(s) unless otherwise specified.

Direct Cost. Costs that can be identified specifically with a particular final cost objective, such as a Grant Award, or other internally or externally funded activity, or that can be directly assigned to such activities relatively easily with a high degree of accuracy. Costs incurred for the same purpose in like circumstances will be treated consistently as either Direct Costs or Indirect Costs.

Grant Award. The agreement entered by TWC and the Grantee as a result of this Application, including the Grant Award Agreement and all attachments and

Amendments.

Grant Period. The time that begins on the Grant Award effective date and ends on the Grant Award termination or expiration date, including extensions or renewals. The Grant Award Will identify the Period of Performance and Budget

Period. The Grant Period is defined as twenty-four (24) months.

Grantee. A successful Applicant that receives a TWC Grant Award under this

Application.

Indirect Cost. For certain institutions of higher education and certain non-profit organizations, Indirect costs are also referred to as Indirect Facilities &

Administration costs (also known as F&A costs). Indirect costs are costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective, and not readily assigned to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. To facilitate equitable distribution of indirect expenses to the cost objectives served, it may be necessary to establish a number of pools of indirect costs. Indirect cost pools will be distributed to benefitted cost objectives on bases that will produce an equitable result in consideration of relative benefits derived.

Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB). An entity created pursuant to

Texas Government Code § 2308.253 and certified by the Governor pursuant to

Texas Government Code § 2308.261. There are twenty-eight (28) LWDBs in

Texas.

Military Transcript. An official transcript from a competent authority providing a description of military schooling and work history in civilian language. It serves as a counseling tool for academic and career counselors in advising Active Service

Members and Veterans. It also serves as an aid in preparing resumes and explaining military work experience to civilian employers. The two most common types are the Joint Service Transcript (JST) (all branches except the Air Force) and the Community College of the Air Force Transcript

State. The State of Texas and its instrumentalities, including Texas Workforce

Commission (TWC) and any other State agency, its officers, employees, or authorized agents.

Student. Refers to a Veteran or Active-Duty Service Member (VADSM) college participant.

System for Award Management (SAM.gov). An official website of the U.S.

government. It is used by entities to obtain a federally assigned Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI), and for other purposes. In addition to having a UEI, TWC may require some Grantees to maintain an active account registration on SAM.gov to help facilitate TWC reporting under the Federal Funding Accountability and

Transparency Act (FFATA). There is no cost to use SAM.gov. Section 8.8, Compliance for Participation in Grant Awards of this Solicitation discusses related

FFATA repo.

Veteran. A person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable as specified at 38 U.S.C. §101(2). Active service includes full-time duty in the

National Guard, Space Service, or a Reserve component other than full-time duty for training purposes only.

Veterans and Active Duty Service Members For the purposes of this

Application, this phrase includes Veterans, transitioning service, active duty, national guard, and reserve component service members.

Will. A statement containing the term “will” means the statement is a requirement of the Application. The term “will” is interchangeable with the term

“must” and has the same meaning as the term “shall.”

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title38/html/USCODE-2011-title38-partI-chap1-sec101.htm

Application Process

The Application packet for this grant includes the Application form, a Budget

Request Form, the quarterly and final report template, and an Application evaluation rubric. To be considered for an award, the Budget document Will be submitted with this Application.

Review and complete the Application and Budget Request forms. Email any questions regarding the Application or the CCH program to

SWI.BoardApplication@twc.state.gov

IHEs may submit Applications on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

Please anticipate approximately sixty (60) Days for the completion of the TWC review and approval process. Successful Applicants will be notified of their pending award at the conclusion of the review.

mailto:SWI.BoardApplication@twc.state.gov

Use this form to submit one application at a time

CERTIFICATION PAGE AND LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT

1. Certification of Information Contained in this Application

The submitted Application is binding and valid at the discretion of the Texas

Workforce Commission. Any terms and conditions attached to an Application will not be considered. Applicant's attachment of such terms and conditions to an

Application may disqualify the Application.

By submitting this document, the signatories certify to the following:

1) The Applicant is legally authorized to submit this Application on behalf of the

Applicant institution.

2) The statements herein are true, complete, and accurate to the best of the

Applicant's knowledge.

3) If funds are awarded, the institution will fully accept the terms and conditions described in this Application and accept the obligation to comply with the terms and conditions set by the Texas Workforce Commission.

4) The Applicant further certifies that any funded activity will be conducted in accordance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, Applications guidelines and instructions, Debarment and Suspension, Lobbying

Certifications, Drug-Free Workplace requirements, and Special Provisions and

Assurances as applicable.

5) It is understood that this Application constitutes an offer and, if accepted by the Texas Workforce Commission or renegotiated to acceptance, will form a

APPLICANT NAME:

binding agreement.

Name/Title of Person Authorized to Submit Application:

Name:

Name/Title of Chancellor/President/Chief Academic Officer/Chief Financial

Officer from Applicant Institution of Higher Education:

Name/Title:

Signature/Date of Chancellor/President/Chief Academic Officer/Chief Financial

Officer from Applicant Institution of Higher Education:

Signature:

Date:

Funding Period: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2027

The information provided in this Application will serve as the basis for selection of

CCH funding recipients. Applicants Will complete Sections 1 through 8 of this

Application and a Budget Request Form.

Submit completed form(s) and required attachments and any other questions to the following email address:

SWI.BoardApplication@twc.state.gov

1. Applicant Name

Application Deadline: N/A; open until funds are expended.

mailto:SWI.BoardApplication@twc.state.gov

Application Form

Name of primary Applicant as listed below will appear as the Contracting

Party in the Notice of Grant Award

Applicant Name:

2. Requested Amount:

3. Executive Summary

Provide a clear and concise summary of the program that demonstrates how the Applicant intends to meet the program requirements described in this

Application.

Please answer in the box provided:

4. Program Plan Narrative

Program Plan

Applicants will submit a comprehensive Program Plan that includes both a detailed summary narrative and a structured work plan with a timeline.

This plan must demonstrate a clear understanding of the CCH program and its potential impact on VADSM populations.

A. Program Summary Narrative:

Provide a concise description of the proposed CCH program, including the following elements:

• Target Population: Specify the size and characteristics of the intended

VADSM population pool.

• Training Disciplines: Outline the specific training disciplines offered within the program.

• Credentials Achieved: List the post-secondary, industry-recognized credentials participants may achieve.

• Target Occupations: Identify the specific occupations targeted by the program, aligning these with the needs of VADSMs and Local Workforce

Development Board priorities, using data from the Texas Statewide Target

Occupation list and other relevant Texas labor market information.

• Partner Military Installations: Indicate the military installations involved in the program.

B. Program Design, Alignment, Evaluation, Sustainability, and

Scalability:

• Program Design & Alignment:

o Describe the institution's planned approach to the marketing of the

CCH program.

o Provide a detailed project work plan and timeline of the Applicant's CCH program.

o Describe the specific credentials (standalone and stackable) and degree plans the institution will target under the CCH program. Using https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/wf/docs/statewide-targeted-occupations-twc.xlsx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/wf/docs/statewide-targeted-occupations-twc.xlsx the Texas Statewide Target Occupations list and other Texas labor market information, demonstrate how these selections align with the needs of VADSMs and Local Workforce Development Board priorities.

• Holistic Evaluation Process:

o Detail the proposed evaluation process for assessing a VADSM's holistic education, training, and experience using the ACE Military Guide.

o Describe the technology and processes the institution has in place to effectively store, manage, analyze, and report data related to Student progress, award of credit, and program outcomes.

• Sustainability and Scalability:

o Outline the plan for sustaining the CCH program beyond the initial grant funding period.

o What are the IHE's plans to scale the use of PLAs for VADSMs?

Please answer in the box provided:

5. Institutional Capacity and Resources

• Team and Expertise:

o Describe the CCH team, including roles, responsibilities, and relevant qualifications. Highlight the expertise and experience of team members in working with VADSMs, PLA, and workforce development.

o Identify your program champions (faculty and staff) and explain their role in the program's success.

• Outreach and Marketing:

o Outline your outreach and marketing strategy to attract VADSMs to the CCH program.

o What specific outreach and marketing methods will you use?

• Infrastructure and Support Services:

o Describe the existing infrastructure and support services at your institution that will support the CCH program, such as VADSM support centers, career services, and academic advising.

• Prior Experience:

o Detail your institution's prior experience in serving VADSM Students, including any existing programs, initiatives, or partnerships related to military education and training.

• ACE Military Guide Expertise:

o Describe your institution's experience with using the ACE Military

Guide.

o How will you train your staff on its proficient use?

• PLA Capacity:

o Describe your institution's current capacity to conduct PLAs. What

PLA methods do you currently use? How will you expand PLA opportunities for VADSMs through this program?

6. Outreach and Partnerships

• Workforce Development Board Collaboration:

o Describe your existing relationships with Local Workforce

Development Boards (Boards). How will you establish a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with your local Board and other associated programs to facilitate job placement for participating VADSMs?

• Transfer Agreements:

o If applicant is a 2-year institution, do you have existing transfer agreements with 4-year institutions?

o How will you work to develop or amend MOUs with these institutions to ensure that credits earned through the CCH program are transferable?

• Texas Workforce System Integration:

o Explain the procedure the IHE will use to transfer VADSMs to the

Texas Workforce System (as in, Local Workforce Solutions Offices) prior to program completion for job placement assistance (if needed).

7. Data Tracking and Reporting:

o Describe your plan for tracking and reporting the progress and outcomes of VADSMs in the CCH program.

8. Budget

Applicants will provide a detailed Budget narrative using the attached

Budget Request Form that justifies each proposed expenditure and demonstrates how the funds Will be used to achieve the Applicant's goals and objectives.

About College Credit for Heroes