Neighborhood Resource Initiative - ToolKit
Due to the number of applications for 2023 received, the review period will continue through March.
All applicants will be notified via email of their application status by 5 pm on March 30.
As a part of the Dallas City of Learning (DCoL) your organization is connected to a powerful network of vital resources to ensure students have access to out-of-school learning opportunities.
Please find resources below to help support your efforts as an NRI grant recipient.
NRI Resources
The following tools are available for NRI grant recipients:
- 2023 Checklist for NRI recipients-web (coming soon)
- HowTo_ADD PROGRAM_2023
- How To_Use Enrollment-Attendance sheet_2023
- Enrollment Attendance sheet Template
- Coming soon – Six Dimensions of Quality (6DQ) and program observations
- Coming soon – Request transportation to Turn Up Events
- Enrollment Attendance upload link
Data Consent Information
The following language is suggested copy for participating organizations who wish to include in their existing program registration forms and/or registration packets to notify parents/caregivers about data permissions usage:
- General overview language regarding data permissions (English)
- General overview language regarding data permissions (Spanish)
If your organization requires explicit consent from guardians regarding data, we have also provided a formatted version that includes parental signature:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my organization’s responsibility in this project?
NRI grant recipients and any other participating organizations must: 1) Input summer programs into DCoL profile before Apr 14, 2023.; 2) Contact Big Thought’s Manager of Research & Evaluation before Apr. 28, 2023, to start the scheduling process of programming observation and summer surveys. All surveys and evaluation materials need to be turned in by August 31, 2023. Anything after that date will not be accepted.
What will happen with the information collected?
The Center on Research and Evaluation (CORE) at SMU is responsible for collecting un-biased observation data with no interest in the identities of specific instructors or program facilitators. Big Thought reviews the aggregated evaluation data to understand the overall levels of program access, student dosage, and program quality and then provides participating organizations their raw site-level survey data collected during the summer. Big Thought will also provide participating organizations with one (1) complimentary license to access the Expanded Learning Information System (ELIS); a dynamic dashboard with program and site-level reports from data collected during summer.
Why do participating organizations collect and submit programming data?
The Center on Research and Evaluation (CORE) at SMU has partnered with Big Thought to evaluate the DCOL system. As part of the NRI grant guidelines NRI recipients must collect student attendance, administer surveys, and conduct programming observations.
Where should I send my invoices?
Why do I need to submit a W-9 again this year?
For you to receive your grant stipend, we must have a current W-9 on file for you. Delay or failure to submit a current W-9 will delay your payment or may cause your grant to be rescinded.
Why do I need to have a Certificate of Insurance with general liability minimum of $1,000,000?
Having liability insurance coverage at this level is a best practice to protect yourself and your organization.
Upon completion of your summer programming submit your completed rostering-attendance sheets.
For all program evaluation questions: Robert Hu at Big Thought Institute
[email protected] or 214-520-0023.
For all DCoL platform questions: Victoria Liguez at Big Thought
[email protected] or 214-520-0023.