District/State Prize

The Goldman Sachs Foundation State Prize will recognize a state or one of the 100 largest school districts that is actively promoting the development of international knowledge and skills on a wide scale through the creation of robust policies and specific programming initiatives.

Contents:

Eligibility Criteria Timetable Application Procedure Instructions for On-line Application Help desk

Eligibility
States and districts serving at least 46,500 students with a clear focus and proven track record of raising American awareness of the world and bridging the international knowledge gap may apply for the award. For a district, applications must have the approval of the superintendent/CEO of the district.  For a state, applications must come from a governor's office, the chief state school officer, or the state board of education.

Criteria
In the narrative portion of your application, please address how your state meets the following criteria:

• Clear district/state leadership as demonstrated by commitment by the superintendent/governor, school board/cabinet officers, education, business and/or community leaders in promoting international knowledge and skills;
• International education as a priority in state or district K-12 policies;
• Commitment and specific actions to increase teacher knowledge (e.g. through teacher preparation and professional development);
• Specific district-wide or state-wide programmatic initiatives (e.g. expanding world languages, international partnerships, resource networks, promotion of internationally themed schools, technology initiatives);
• Sustainability of these initiatives; and,
• Measures of success.

Timetable

State Prize Applications Due	December 1, 2008 (now closed)
Award Ceremony for 2007 Winners	March 2008

Application Procedure
All applicants must submit the following information as part of the online application:

1. District/State profile information
2. Narrative essays addressing each of the criteria (not to exceed 500 words per essay) describing the district/state’s efforts to improve international knowledge and skills for K-12 students and teachers.
3. Three letters of support from individuals or organizations familiar with the district/state’s work. For a district, one letter must be from the superintendent/CEO of district. For a state, one letter must be from a governor's office, the chief state school officer, or the state board of education.

Instructions for On-line Application
The following instructions will guide you through the simple on-line application process. Please prepare your contact information, state profile, and narrative, then click on the button to the upper right to apply on-line.

Before you begin: Click here to download a PDF [What is a PDF?] of the application questions. Use the PDF to help you prepare the applicant contact and profile information. The PDF contains the exact information and questions you will have to answer on the online application. The PDF is for reference only. No paper or email submissions will be accepted. Only applications submitted online will be reviewed.    

Step 1: Click here to submit an online application: http://gsfprizes.org/ 

Step 2: You will first choose your own secure username and password. You can use this to return to your application as often as you like to add to or change your responses before your final submission.

Step 3: Fill in your contact information and state profile.

Step 4: Fill in your responses to the 7 criteria. Please note that the text box for each essay is limited to 500 words, you will not be able to submit more than 500 words per essay.

Step 5: Upload 3 required letters of support.

Step 6: Upload up to 3 optional supporting materials.

Step 7: Submit your application. When you are finished entering in all information you will be given the option to review your application and submit it. ONCE YOUR APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CHANGE IT. You will be emailed a confirmation automatically upon submission.

Help desk

For program questions, read the FAQ. If your questions are not addressed, please e-mail [email protected].