CPB Issues RFP for Manager for its Groundbreaking American History and Civics Initiative

For Immediate Release on August 10, 2006

Washington D.C. -- The Corporation for Public Broadcasting today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Initiative Manager for its groundbreaking American History and Civics Initiative. Working in close consultation with CPB, the Initiative Manager will coordinate and support the development, production, dissemination, evaluation and promotion of AHCI projects.

The goal of the American History and Civics Initiative is to foster the use of emerging technologies and public television resources by content developers to produce innovative media projects that will result in a measurable improvement in middle and high school students learning of American history and increase their commitment to national public service, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

In September 2005, CPB received 88 proposals for the American History and Civics Initiative -- including more than 40 from public television stations -- many in partnership with some of the best known and respected names in technology, education as well as civic groups and museums.

In the past ten months, the proposals have been subjected to rigorous internal and external review. CPB plans to award research and development (R&D)/prototype grants to applicants whose projects are the most promising.

The R&D/prototype grants will provide applicants with an opportunity to explore inspired ideas; refine the proposed concept; research the content; study the audience's needs; strengthen the partnerships; develop the strategies, systems and mechanisms necessary to successfully implement the project; and design and test a prototype.

The first group of R&D/prototype grant recipients will be selected in the fall of 2006. Grant recipients will thereafter be selected on a rolling basis. Announcements of the names of the recipients will be made when grant agreements have been reached.

About CPB

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,400 locally-owned and -operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services.

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