[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 214 (Monday, November 6, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56104-56109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-27431]
[[Page 56103]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part IV
Department of Housing and Urban Development
_______________________________________________________________________
24 CFR Part 570
Community Development Work Study Program; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 214 / Monday, November 6, 1995 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 56104]]
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research
24 CFR Part 570
[Docket No. FR-3902-P-01]
RIN 2528-AA05
Community Development Work Study Program; Proposed Amendments
AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and
Research, HUD.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise HUD's regulations governing
the Community Development Work Study Program (CDWSP). Under the CDWSP,
HUD awards grants to institutions of higher education, either directly
or through areawide planning organizations (APOs) or States, for the
purpose of providing assistance to economically disadvantaged and
minority students who participate in a community development work study
program while enrolled in a full-time graduate or undergraduate
Community Development Academic Program. This rule proposes to make
several revisions to the CDWSP so that it can more effectively and
efficiently meet its program objectives. Among other changes, this
proposed rule would limit the number of students assisted under CDWSP
to 5 students per participating institution of higher education, limit
the CDWSP to graduate-level programs, and permit institutions of higher
learning to apply individually or through APOs.
DATES: Comments Due Date: January 5, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding
this proposed rule to the Office of the General Counsel, Rules Docket
Clerk, Room 10276, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451
Seventh Street SW., Washington, D.C. 20410-0500. Communications should
refer to the above docket number and title and to the specific sections
of the regulation. Facsimile (FAX) comments are not acceptable. A copy
of each communication submitted will be available for public inspection
and copying during regular business hours at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Hartung, Office of University
Partnerships, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Room 8130,
451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, D.C. 20410, telephone (202) 708-
1537. Hearing or speech-impaired individuals may call HUD's TDD number
(202) 708-0770, or 1-800-877-8399 (Federal Information Relay Service
TDD). (Other than the ``800'' number, these are not toll-free numbers.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
The information collection requirements contained in this proposed
rule have been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520). No person may be subjected to a penalty for failure to comply
with these information collection requirements until they have been
approved and assigned an OMB control number. The public reporting
burden is estimated to include the time for reviewing the instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information in
instances where such action would be necessary. Information on the
estimated public reporting burden is provided under the Preamble
heading, Other Matters. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Department of Housing and
Urban Development, Rules Docket Clerk, 451 Seventh Street SW., Room
10276, Washington, D.C., 20410-0500; and to the Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attention:
Desk Officer for HUD, Washington, D.C. 20503.
II. Background
Section 501(b)(2) of the Housing and Community Development Act of
1987 (Pub. L. 100-242, approved February 5, 1988) added a new section
107(c) to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.
5301 et seq.), authorizing the Community Development Work Study Program
(CDWSP). Under the CDWSP, HUD is authorized to award grants to
institutions of higher education, either directly or through areawide
planning organizations (APOs) or States, for the purpose of providing
assistance to economically disadvantaged and minority students who
participate in a community development work study program while
enrolled in a full-time graduate or undergraduate Community Development
Academic Program.
On June 27, 1989 (54 FR 27128), HUD published a final rule
implementing section 107(c) at 24 CFR 570.415. Since that date, HUD has
published Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) for the purpose of
soliciting applications for CDWSP grant awards. Based on its experience
in administering the CDWSP, HUD is proposing to make several amendments
to 24 CFR 570.415 so that the CDWSP can more effectively and
efficiently meet its program objectives.
A. CDWSP Limited to Graduate Programs
The Secretary of HUD is authorized by 24 CFR 570.415(a) to fund
both graduate and undergraduate students through CDWSP. However,
experience has convinced HUD that graduate-level programs are better
suited to CDWSP. Graduate programs in community and economic
development and related fields almost always include an internship or
related component that introduces most of the program's students to
professional work experience.
Moreover, the master's degree has become the accepted credential
for professional positions in community and economic development and
related fields. Graduate-level CDWSP students are, therefore, qualified
to immediately assume positions enabling substantial contributions in
these fields. Accordingly, HUD has determined that CDWSP funds can be
utilized more effectively by limiting CDWSP to graduate-level programs.
HUD proposes to amend Sec. 570.415 to limit CDWSP to provide
opportunities for relevant graduate-level study.
B. Proposed Amendments to 24 CFR 570.415(b)
Paragraph (b) of Sec. 570.415 sets forth the program's definitions.
This proposed rule would clarify the definition of ``areawide planning
organization''. Language in the current definition of that term
referencing the ``metropolitan or nonmetropolitan area'' served by an
APO was confusing inasmuch as no specific ``nonmetropolitan'' areas are
delineated for census purposes. The definition would be amended to make
clear that the relevant geographic area for purposes of the APO is the
area defined by the State law or interlocal agreement creating it.
Amendments to 24 CFR 570.415(b) would also clarify HUD's
interpretation of the statutory phrase ``community and economic
development, community planning or community management'' with
reference to the types of employment opportunities and academic
programs the CDWSP addresses. Specifically, the term ``community
building'' would be added
[[Page 56105]]
and would be defined to include all the disciplines the statutory
phrase ``community and economic development, community planning or
community management'' was meant to encompass. The term ``community
building academic program'' would replace ``community development
academic program'' and would be defined to encompass academic programs
whose purpose and focus is to prepare students for careers in community
building. Finally, the definition of the term ``Institution of higher
education'' would be amended to reference ``community building academic
program'' rather than ``community development academic program.''
C. Proposed Amendments to 24 CFR 570.415(c)
Several changes to 24 CFR 570.415(c) are proposed. First, 24 CFR
570.415(c)(1)(A) would be amended to specify that the student's hourly
rate should be sufficiently high to permit the student to earn the full
stipend by working no more than 20 hours per week during the school
year and 40 hours per week in the summer. HUD's experience suggests
that some CDWSP students have worked at hourly rates which make it
difficult to exhaust the stipend. HUD, however, intends that students
be able to earn the full stipend if the specified hours are worked.
Furthermore, 24 CFR 570.415(c)(2) would be amended to limit the
number of students assisted under the CDWSP to five students per
participating institution of higher education. HUD is interested in
funding economically disadvantaged and minority students who show
strong potential for academic and professional success in community
development and related fields. Given the large number of institutions
of higher education interested in the CDWSP, HUD's experience suggests
that the strongest overall group of CDWSP students would be recruited
by having numerous institutions of higher education select their few
most qualified economically disadvantaged and minority students, rather
than channeling the funds so that any single institution of higher
education distributes up to ten awards. The minimum number of students
to be assisted by a grant would remain unchanged, so that the students
earn adequate funds to pursue their degree.
D. Proposed Amendments to 24 CFR 570.415(d)
This proposed rule would amend 24 CFR 570.415(d)(1) to permit each
eligible institution of higher education to choose whether to apply
individually or participate in an APO or State's CDWSP application.
Through this approach, a State or an APO could apply with some
participating institutions of higher education at the same time that
other institutions of higher education in the area or State submit
separate applications. The current rule prohibits institutions of
higher education from applying individually if they are located within
the jurisdiction of an APO or State that is applying.
HUD has found that many institutions of higher education are
pleased to participate in the application of an APO. However, HUD also
recognizes that some institutions of higher education might submit
stronger applications and administer a program as well or better than
their area APO. HUD's experience suggests that such institutions of
higher education should be permitted to determine whether it is to
their advantage to apply separately or to participate in the
application of an APO or State. HUD, however, does not intend to permit
an institution of higher education to apply both separately and as part
of an APO or State's application during a single funding cycle. The
proposed rule would amend Sec. 570.415(d)(1)(iii) to set forth the
procedure for disregarding an application under such circumstances.
Without this amendment, an institution of higher education that
might be an excellent candidate for CDWSP funding could be denied an
opportunity for funding simply because its APO or State unsuccessfully
applies. Giving institutions this option would also strongly encourage
APOs to develop or maintain excellent work study programs which are
capable of attracting the participation of the area's institutions of
higher education.
Paragraph (d)(2)(i)(D) of Sec. 570.415 sets forth a requirement of
periodic seminars. HUD continues to believe that seminars can often be
a useful means of relating CDWSP work experience to the student's
academic program. Nevertheless, HUD is proposing that CDWSP seminars no
longer be mandatory, for several reasons. First, many graduate programs
in community building have a professional practice seminar as a
requirement of the graduate program itself. Second, the experience of
many students in CDWSP involves ongoing, informal mentoring and work-
related counseling from the program director and other faculty.
Discussions with CDWSP recipients and students have convinced HUD that
the recipients are best positioned to determine how administrative
funds can be used most effectively to further the program's objectives.
Paragraph (d)(2)(i)(F) of Sec. 570.415 would be amended to state
that the recipient must encourage participating students to seek post-
graduation employment with specified types of employers engaged in
community building. The current regulation requires that students be
encouraged to seek employment with specified types of employers
receiving community development funds. This proposed change recognizes
that a CDWSP student's post-graduation employment in community building
comports with CDWSP objectives even if his or her particular employer
is not receiving community development funds.
E. Elimination of the Repayment Requirements in 24 CFR 570.415(g) and
24 CFR 570.415(k)
The repayment requirements in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) and (k)(3)(ii)
of Sec. 570.415 would be eliminated. Currently, 24 CFR 570.415(g)(3)(i)
states that students who are terminated from CDWSP participation
without having completed their academic program must repay to the
recipient any tuition and non-stipend assistance received through
CDWSP. Paragraph (k)(3)(ii) of Sec. 570.415, in turn, requires that the
recipient repay to the Federal Government the tuition and other non-
stipend assistance the student has received, and imposes this
requirement regardless of whether the recipient collects the funds from
the student.
Based on experience and discussions with recipients, HUD has
determined that these repayment requirements should be eliminated, for
several reasons. First, HUD believes that a repayment requirement is
unnecessary as an incentive to select highly motivated students.
Recipients already have a strong incentive to select highly motivated
students since their CDWSP funding in any funding cycle depends in
significant part on the graduation rate of students to whom the
recipient provided CDWSP or similar funding.
Moreover, as noted above, the program is to be revised to further
limit the number of students funded per institution of higher
education. The increased selectivity that institutions of higher
education will necessarily exercise suggests that the academic
potential and motivation of CDWSP students can be expected to be even
higher than in the past. Furthermore, the requirement may discourage
students from seeking to participate in CDWSP since the financial risk
of failure to complete the program may appear substantial.
[[Page 56106]]
HUD further notes that the repayment requirements also impose a
substantial cost (administrative burden and repayment costs) to
recipients who attempt to collect funds for academic credit hours and
other support the student has already been provided. Because a CDWSP
student is necessarily economically disadvantaged, the student cannot
generally repay the debt other than in small payments over a long
period of time involving considerable administrative burden to the
recipient. HUD is aware of occasions in which institutions of higher
education have had to either ``write off'' the debt as uncollectible or
collect small periodic payments.
F. Proposed Amendments to 24 CFR 570.415(i)
Paragraph (i) of Sec. 570.415 would be amended in several respects.
The initial sentence in 24 CFR 570.415(i)(2) would be amended to
clarify that a threshold review for applicant eligibility occurs before
applications are rated and placed in priority funding order.
Paragraph (i)(5) of Sec. 570.415, concerning the ranking of
otherwise eligible applicants, would be amended to clarify the
selection criteria, eliminate duplication of issues among criteria, and
make the criteria consistent with other proposed changes. Paragraph
(i)(2)(i) of Sec. 570.415, which establishes the quality of the
academic program as a ranking factor, would be clarified so as to set
forth a non-exhaustive list of academic program quality indicators. The
issue of the graduation rate among the applicant's past CDWSP students,
which is currently part of the academic quality factor, would be set
forth as a separate factor to reflect that factor's independent
significance.
A new factor would be added as 24 CFR 570.415(i)(2)(iii), dealing
with the recipient's commitment to meeting the needs of CDWSP-funded
students. This consideration is already partially encompassed in 24 CFR
570.415(i)(2)(vi), dealing with the applicant's ``relative commitment
to meeting the needs of minority economically disadvantaged students.''
However, 24 CFR 570.415(i)(2)(vi) has lacked clarity, and applicants
have responded to it in varying and inconsistent ways, with some
applicants referring to their indirect costs, others referring to
additional tuition support, and still others simply restating
information used in responding to other ranking factors.
HUD intends to have this new, separate factor address the
institution of higher education's commitment to help the CDWSP student
see his or her way through the program financially. HUD is aware, from
communications with recipients and students, that the CDWSP award
leaves many CDWSP-funded students significantly short of funds to
pursue their degree, even though they are working twenty hours per
week. HUD believes a student's ability to pursue the academic program
without undue financial stress is of great importance to the student's
success.
Proposed 24 CFR 570.415(i)(2)(v) would address the likelihood that
an applicant's program will lead students to permanent employment in
community building, a consideration currently addressed in 24 CFR
570.415(i)(2)(iv). HUD would clarify this factor by setting forth
several primary determinants of how well the factor is met. Proposed 24
CFR 570.415(i)(2)(vi) would be identical to the current 24 CFR
570.415(i)(2)(v).
Proposed 24 CFR 570.415(i)(2)(vii) would address the applicant's
commitment to meeting the needs of economically disadvantaged and
minority students. This factor, a modification of the present 24 CFR
570.415(i)(2)(vi), would clarify that the program is intended to
address the needs of both minority and nonminority economically
disadvantaged students.
III. Other Matters
A. Environmental Impact
A Finding of No Significant Impact with respect to the environment
has been made in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 50,
which implements section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (NEPA). This Finding of No Significant Impact is available
for public inspection between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. weekdays in the
Office of the Rules Docket Clerk, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Room 10276, 451 Seventh
Street SW., Washington, DC 20410-0500.
B. Regulatory Flexibility
The Secretary, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 605(b)), has reviewed and approved this proposed rule, and in so
doing certifies that this proposed rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule
only affects applicants and participants in HUD's Community Development
Work Study Program, and will not have any meaningful economic impact on
any entity.
C. Public Reporting Burden
This rule does not propose to add to the overall information
collection requirements of the Community Development Work Study
Program. Nevertheless, because the proposed rule would alter the
specific information requirements for applying for the program, the
information collection requirements of this program, as amended, are
being submitted to OMB for review under section 3504(h) of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980. Information on these requirements is
provided as follows:
Annual Reporting Burden--24 CFR 570.415, Community Development Work Study
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Number of annual Hours per Total hours
respondents responses response
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application................................................. 75 75 20 1,500
Annual reports.............................................. 30 30 6 180
Final reports............................................... 30 30 8 240
Recordkeeping............................................... 30 30 5 150
---------------------------------------------------
2,070
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D. Federalism Impact
The General Counsel, as the Designated Official under section 6(a)
of Executive Order 12612, Federalism, has determined that the policies
contained in this proposed rule will not have substantial direct
effects on States or their political subdivisions, or the relationship
between the Federal government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
Specifically, the requirements of this proposed rule are
[[Page 56107]]
directed toward applicants and participants in HUD's Community
Development Work Study Program (CDWSP). It effects no changes in the
current relationships between the Federal government, the States and
their political subdivisions in connection with CDWSP.
E. Family Impact
The General Counsel, as the Designated Official under Executive
Order 12606, The Family, has determined that this proposed rule does
not have the potential for significant impact on family formation,
maintenance and general well-being, and, thus, is not subject to review
under the Order. No significant changes in existing HUD policies or
programs will result from promulgation of this proposed rule, as those
policies and programs relate to family concerns.
F. Executive Order 12866
This proposed rule was reviewed by the Office of Management and
Budget under Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review. Any
changes made to the proposed rule as a result of that review are
clearly identified in the docket file, which is available for public
inspection in the office of the Department's Rules Docket Clerk, Room
10276, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20410-0500.
List of Subjects in 24 CFR Part 570
Administrative practice and procedure, American Samoa, Community
development block grants, Grant programs--education, Grant programs--
housing and community development, Guam, Indians, Lead poisoning, Loan
programs--housing and community development, Low and moderate income
housing, New communities, Northern Mariana Islands, Pacific Islands
Trust Territory, Pockets of poverty, Puerto Rico, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Small cities, Student aid, Virgin Islands.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance program number is
14.234.
Accordingly, 24 CFR part 570 is proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 570--COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS
1. The authority citation for 24 CFR part 570 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d) and 5300-5320.
Subpart E--Special Purpose Grants
2. Section 570.415 is amended by:
a. Revising paragraph (a);
b. Revising paragraph (b);
c. Revising paragraphs (c)(1)(i) (A), (B), and (C), and (c)(2);
d. Revising paragraphs (d)(1)(i) (A) and (B), (d)(1)(ii), and
(d)(1)(iii);
e. Revising paragraph (d)(2)(i)(A);
f. Removing paragraph (d)(2)(i)(D) and redesignating paragraphs
(d)(2)(i) (E) through (I) as paragraphs (d)(2)(i) (D) through (H),
respectively;
g. Revising newly designated (d)(2)(i)(E);
h. Revising paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2)(i);
i. Revising paragraphs (g)(1) (ii) and (iii), (g)(2)(ii), and
(g)(3) (i) and (ii);
j. Revising paragraphs (i)(1)(iii) and (i)(2);
k. Revising paragraph (k)(3)(ii); and
l. Removing paragraph (k)(3)(iii) and redesignating paragraph
(k)(3)(iv) as paragraph (k)(3)(iii), to read as follows:
Sec. 570.415 Community Development Work Study Program.
(a) Applicability and objectives. HUD makes grants under CDWSP to
institutions of higher education, either directly or through areawide
planning organizations or States, for the purpose of providing
assistance to economically disadvantaged and minority students who
participate in a work study program while enrolled in full-time
graduate programs in community and economic development, community
planning, and community management. The primary objectives of the
program are to attract economically disadvantaged and minority students
to careers in community and economic development, community planning,
and community management, and to provide a cadre of well-qualified
professionals to plan, implement and administer local community
development programs.
(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to CDWSP:
Applicant means an institution of higher education, a State, or an
areawide planning organization that submits an application for
assistance under CDWSP.
Areawide planning organization (APO) means an organization
authorized by law or by interlocal agreement to undertake planning and
other activities for a particular geographic area.
CDWSP means the Community Development Work Study Program.
Community building means community and economic development,
community planning, community management, land use and housing
activities.
Community building academic program or academic program means a
graduate degree program whose purpose and focus is to educate students
in community building. ``Community building academic program'' or
``academic program'' includes but is not limited to graduate degree
programs in community and economic development, community planning,
community management, public administration, public policy, urban
economics, urban management, and urban planning. ``Community building
academic program'' or ``academic program'' excludes social and
humanistic fields such as law, economics (except for urban economics),
education and history. ``Community building academic program'' or
``academic program'' excludes joint degree programs except where both
joint-degree fields have the purpose and focus of educating students in
community building.
Economically disadvantaged and minority students means students who
satisfy all applicable guidelines established at the participating
institution of higher education to measure financial need for academic
scholarship or loan assistance, including, but not limited to, students
who are Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic, or Asian/
Pacific Island, and including students with disabilities.
Institution of higher education means a public or private
educational institution that offers a community building academic
program and that is accredited by an accrediting agency or association
recognized by the Secretary of Education under 34 CFR part 602.
Recipient means an approved applicant that executes a grant
agreement with HUD.
Student means a student enrolled in an eligible full-time academic
program. He/she must be a first-year student in a two-year graduate
program. Students enrolled in Ph.D. programs are ineligible.
Student with disabilities means a student who meets the definition
of ``person with disabilities'' in the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990.
(c) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) * * *
(A) Student stipend. The amount of the student stipend is based
upon the prevailing hourly rate for initial entry positions in
community building and the number of hours worked by the student at the
work placement assignment, except that the hourly rate used should be
sufficiently high to allow a student to earn the full stipend without
working over 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per
week during the summer. The amount of the stipend the student receives
may not exceed the actual amount earned, up to $9,000 per year.
[[Page 56108]]
(B) Tuition support. The amount of the tuition support may not
exceed the tuition charged at the participating institution of higher
education up to a maximum of $3,500 per year.
(C) Additional support. The amount of additional support may not
exceed the actual costs incurred, up to a maximum of $1,500 per year.
The recipient may provide additional support for:
(1) Books;
(2) Travel related to the academic program, work placement
assignment, or attendance at conferences sponsored by professional
organizations in community building; and
(3) Costs associated with reasonable accommodations for students
with disabilities including, but not limited to, interpreters for the
deaf/hard of hearing, special equipment, and braille materials.
* * * * *
(2) Number of students assisted. The minimum number of students
that may be assisted is three students per participating institution of
higher education. If an APO or State receives assistance for a program
that is conducted by two or more institutions of higher education, each
participating institution must have a minimum of three students in the
program. The maximum number of students that may be assisted under
CDWSP is five students per participating institution of higher
education.
(d) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) * * *
(A) Institutions of higher education. Institutions of higher
education offering a community building academic program are eligible
for assistance under CDWSP.
(B) Areawide planning organizations and States. An APO or a State
may apply for assistance for a program to be conducted by two or more
institutions of higher education. Institutions participating in an APO
program must be located within the particular area that is served by
the APO and is identified by the State law or interlocal agreement
creating the APO. Institutions of higher education participating in a
State program must be located within the State.
(ii) To be eligible in future funding competitions for CDWSP,
recipients are required to maintain a 50-percent rate of graduation
from a CDWSP-funded academic program.
(iii) If an institution of higher education that submits an
individual application is also included in the application of an APO or
State, then the separate individual application of the institution of
higher education will be disregarded. Additionally, if an institution
of higher education is included in the application of both an APO and a
State, then the references to the institution in the application of the
State will be stricken. The State's application will then be ineligible
if fewer than two institutions of higher education remain as
participants in the State's application.
(2) * * *
(i) * * *
(A) Recruit and select students for participation in CDWSP. The
recipient shall establish recruitment procedures that identify
economically disadvantaged and minority students pursuing careers in
community building, and make such students aware of the availability of
assistance opportunities. Students must be selected before the
beginning of the semester for which funding has been provided.
* * * * *
(E) Encourage participating students to obtain employment for a
minimum of two years after graduation with a unit of State or local
government, Indian tribe or nonprofit organization engaged in community
building.
* * * * *
(f) Work placement agencies eligibility and responsibilities (1)
Eligibility. To be eligible to participate in the CDWSP, the work
placement agencies must be involved in community building and must be
an agency of a State or unit of local government, an APO, an Indian
tribe, or a nonprofit organization.
(2) * * *
(i) Provide practical experience and training in community
building.
* * * * *
(g) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) Must be a full-time student enrolled in the first year of
graduate study in a community building academic program at the
participating institution of higher education. Individuals enrolled in
doctoral programs are ineligible.
(iii) Must demonstrate an ability to maintain a satisfactory level
of performance in the community building academic program and in work
placement assignments, and to comply with the professional standards
set by the recipient and the work placement agencies.
* * * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) An interest in, and commitment to, a professional career in
community building.
* * * * *
(3) * * *
(i) Enroll in a two-year program. A student's academic and work
placement responsibilities include: Full-time enrollment in an approved
academic program; maintenance of a satisfactory level of performance in
the community building academic program and in work placement
assignments; and compliance with the professional conduct standards set
by the recipient and the work placement agency. A satisfactory level of
academic performance consists of maintaining a B average. A student's
participation in CDWSP shall be terminated for failure to meet these
responsibilities and standards. If a student's participation is
terminated, the student is ineligible for further CDWSP assistance.
(ii) Agree to make a good-faith effort to obtain employment in
community building with a unit of State or local government, an Indian
tribe, or a nonprofit organization. The term of employment should be
for at least two consecutive years following graduation from the
academic program. If the student does not obtain such employment, the
student is not required to repay the assistance received.
* * * * *
(i) * * *
(1) * * *
(iii) The applicant must demonstrate that each institution of
higher education participating in the program as a recipient has the
required academic programs and faculty to carry out its activities
under CDWSP. Each work placement agency must have the required staff
and community building work study program to carry out its activities
under CDWSP.
(2) Rating. All applications that meet the threshold requirements
for applicant eligibility will be rated based on the following
selection criteria:
(i) Quality of Academic Program. The quality of the academic
program offered by the institution of higher education, including
without limitation the:
(A) Quality of course offerings;
(B) Appropriateness of course offerings for preparing students for
careers in community building; and
(C) Qualifications of faculty and percentage of their time devoted
to teaching and research in community building.
(ii) Rates of Graduation. The rates of graduation of students
previously enrolled in a community building academic program at the
institution of
[[Page 56109]]
higher education, specifically including (where applicable) graduation
rates from any previously funded CDWSP academic programs or similar
programs.
(iii) Extent of Financial Commitment. The commitment and ability of
the institution of higher education to assure that CDWSP students will
receive sufficient financial assistance (including loans, where
necessary) above and beyond the CDWSP funding to complete their
academic program in a timely manner and without working in excess of 20
hours per week during the school year.
(iv) Quality of Work Placement Assignments. The extent to which the
participating students will receive a sufficient number and variety of
work placement assignments, the assignments will provide practical and
useful experience to students participating in the program, and the
assignments will further the participating students' preparation for
professional careers in community building.
(v) Likelihood of Fostering Students' Permanent Employment in
Community Building. The extent to which the proposed program will lead
participating students directly and immediately to permanent employment
in community building, as indicated by, without limitation:
(A) The past success of the institution of higher education in
placing its graduates (particularly CDWSP-funded and similar program
graduates where applicable) in permanent employment in community
building; and
(B) The amount of faculty and staff time and institutional
resources devoted to assisting students (particularly students in
CDWSP-funded and similar programs where applicable) in finding
permanent employment in community building.
(vi) Effectiveness of Program Administration. The degree to which
an applicant will be able effectively to coordinate and administer the
program. HUD will allocate the maximum points available under this
criterion equally among the following considerations set forth in
paragraphs (i)(2)(vi)(A), (B), and (C) of this section. Except that the
maximum points available under this criterion will be allocated equally
between the considerations set forth in paragraphs (i)(2)(vi)(A) and
(B) of this section only where the applicant has not previously
administered a CDWSP-funded program.
(A) The strength and clarity of the applicant's plan for placing
CDWSP students on rotating work placement assignments and monitoring
CDWSP students' progress both academically and in their work placement
assignments;
(B) The degree to which the individual who will coordinate and
administer the program has clear responsibility, ample available time,
and sufficient authority to do so; and
(C) The effectiveness of the applicant's prior coordination and
administration of a CDWSP-funded program, where applicable (including
the timeliness and completeness of the applicant's compliance with
CDWSP reporting requirements).
(vii) Commitment to Meeting Economically Disadvantaged and Minority
Students' Needs. The applicant's commitment to meeting the needs of
economically disadvantaged and minority students as demonstrated by
policies and plans regarding, and past effort and success in,
recruiting, enrolling and financially assisting economically
disadvantaged and minority students. If the applicant is an APO or
State, then HUD will consider the demonstrated commitment of each
institution of higher education on whose behalf the APO or State is
applying; HUD will then also consider the demonstrated commitment of
the APO or State to recruit and hire economically disadvantaged and
minority students.
* * * * *
(k) * * *
(3) * * *
(ii) If a student's participation in CDWSP is terminated before the
completion of the two-year term of the student's program, the recipient
may substitute another student to complete the two-year term of a
student whose participation has terminated. The substituted student
must have a sufficient number of academic credits to complete the
degree program within the remaining portion of the terminated student's
two-year term.
* * * * *
Dated: June 8, 1995.
Michael A. Stegman,
Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research.
[FR Doc. 95-27431 Filed 11-3-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-62-P
