§ 2502.5 - Criteria for evaluating applications.

Applications for grants under this Part will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

(a)(1) The quality of the program, based on the program's ability to offer valuable services in the communities where they are needed most and where programs do not exist or where existing volunteer service programs are too limited to meet community needs; to provide productive, meaningful, educational experiences for participants that incorporate service-learning methods; to involve the participants in the design and operation of the program; to involve individuals from diverse backgrounds (including economically disadvantaged youth) who will serve together and explore the root-causes of community problems; to be integrated into the academic program; and to develop the leadership skills of participants;

(2) The quality of leadership and management, as measured by the qualifications of the principal leaders of the program and plans and processes for recruitment, training, supervision, participant support, evaluation, administration and other key activities;

(b) Innovation, based on the:

(1) Ability of the program to advance knowledge about effective community service in ways that will be broadly applicable beyond the program location; and

(2) Approach to evaluation and other means of learning from the experience of the program;

(c)(1) Replicability, based on the ability and willingness of the program to assist others in learning from the experience and replicating the approach of the program; and

(d) Sustainability, based on:

(1) Strong and broad-based community support for and involvement in the program;

(2) Campus-wide involvement, including faculty, staff, administration, and students; and

(3) Evidence that financial resources will be available to continue the program after the expiration of the grant.