K-16 Regional
Collaborative

Frequently Asked Questions

• In terms of submission, what format would you like turned in, Pdf or a Google Doc Link?
  • For the Exhibit A submission, either format is acceptable.
• “Goal One of the Program Goals in the initial submission refers to a diagram.” What diagram are you referring to?
  • The diagram refers to the linked document of the definition of a full pathway linked HERE.
• Is the 700-word limitation in Step 2 for the entire submission or each response?
  • The first step is to complete Exhibit A (Step 1) – Each prompt specifies the word count. Example: Describe the project’s objectives and alignment with Collaborative goals; Narrative – No more than 350 word count .
• On the eligibility slide it appears that CVHEC would not qualify?
  • You would qualify under Higher Education as a Consortium of Colleges.
• What are the different sectors?
  • In 2022 the sectors were Education, Healthcare, Engineering & Computing, and General Pathway Support with Business as optional. The no cost extension extended the sectors beyond the 2022 pathways to include identified sectors outlined in California Jobs First.
• Are we able to provide a schematic of the pathway that may be included with the Step 1 Exhibit A application?
  • Yes, a schematic of the pathway may be included with the Step 1 Exhibit A application.
• Do we need to prepare a budget for the step 1 submission?
  • No – this will be in the Step 2 submission.
• Is there a preference for projects whose budget is less than, equal to or greater than a certain amount? Also, how can we indicate that we could flex the project budget depending on scope i.e. the number of pathways, students, etc. included?
  • There is no preference for projects whose budget is less than equal to or greater than a certain amount. Also, there are a few areas you could provide narrative budget information – In Exhibit B – #4 – and in the budget template.
• Only Part 1 have a maximum work count (700). Is there a maximum word count for the rest of the items on Exhibit B?
  • Yes, each question lists the word count. For example, questions 2 and 3 have a 300 word count limit.
• I have a question regarding the Budget and Financing Plan for Step 2. I understand that we can request between $50,000- $250,000 per project, if I were to request $250,000 would that be divided in half (2026-27’s budget would be $125,000 and 2027-28’s budget would be $125,000)? Also, what if I have unspent funds from this year’s budget (2025-26) could those carry over if my project is approved?
  • The funding amount that you request will be used through June 30, 2028. You cannot carry over any unspent funds from this year.
• The letters of support for the Kern K16 submission. I’m familiar with the very standard language used for NSF and NIH proposals, and I’m wondering how specific these letters need to be for Exhibit B, which is due on Friday, November 21. Is there an expectation for detailed commitments, or is a concise statement of intent to collaborate sufficient?
  • A concise statement of intent to collaborate is sufficient. I would recommend explaining in further detail in your narrative though of the more specific details of the commitment.
• Please provide clarification regarding budget proposals (Exhibit B) under the no-cost extension- Kern Regional K16 Education Collaborative grant application process.
  • For this round, project partners may include indirect costs in their budget proposals. Please note the following requirements:
    – The indirect cost rate may not exceed 5%.
    – Total project costs, inclusive of indirect costs, must not exceed the approved award amount.
• On the webinar and in this email, there is reference to reviewing our feedback from the Round 1 proposal. Might you please share the feedback for each of our proposals?
  • The feedback is the scoring rubric below. There was not any written feedback for the proposals. The scores represent the average score from each of the reviewers in each category.
• We are wondering if we can use our own table for the work plan instead of the template that you provided. We also wonder if the word count includes the table itself.
  • It is recommended that you use the provided work plan template. However, if you choose to use a different format, please include all the elements that are within the provided template. Additionally, if you are awarded, we will need each project to be on the same template. * The word count does not include the words in the table.
• In our budget proposal , we are requesting $250,000, that will only cover one additional cohort of the expanded residency teacher budget for the 2026-27 school year. We would in essence end our project in June 2027. Would this hurt our chances of being funded?
  • No – this would not hurt your chances of being funded.
• Is it okay to include links to documents (budget proposal , work plan) or would you prefer attachments?
  • Links would be acceptable.
• CSUB grants dept. requires a 16% personnel fringe benefit amount be included in all grants . How does this relate to the 5% indirect cost limit?
  • The fringe benefits are separate from the indirect charges. You may charge the benefits as long as you stay within the allocation you are awarded.
• I’ve been asked to check the budget allowability of branded outreach materials for career fairs etc. Please advise. * Per the contract allowables: Advertising and marketing costs (i.e., design, print, publication, advertising costs)
  • For any cost or item that cannot be classified in one of the above categories, the Grantee is advised to consult with OPSC prior to incurring the cost to determine eligibility. Costs not associated with the approved budget will be considered ineligible.
• Guidelines for using K-16 funds for branded materials

  • Justify the expense: You must provide a written justification explaining why the promotional materials are a “necessary expense” that directly furthers the K-16 program’s mission and why the costs are reasonable.

    Ensure mutual benefit: The materials must be mutually beneficial to all consortium members and be part of a joint planning process.

    Align with the needs assessment: The use of funds must be clearly linked to the needs identified in the program’s comprehensive needs assessment.

    Distinguish from personal gifts: The funds cannot be used for items that are essentially personal gifts. Branded materials can only be purchased if there is a clear need to inform and encourage participation, not just for general promotion.

    Focus on outreach: The funds should be used for outreach materials that raise awareness and encourage student participation in dual enrollment or other K-16 pathway programs.