The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce the availability of LSTA funds for a special grant program associated with AWE Digital Learning Solutions. This grant program will assist with efforts to promote early literacy and help children develop a love of learning.

Under this special grant program, public and school libraries will have the ability to purchase AWE products – the Early Literacy Station, EDGE, Student Learning Center, ELS Passport or the ELF Browser.   Under the grant, each unit will be covered at 75% federal funds and 25% local cash match. Peripherals and additional support materials will be the responsibility of the library.

The Request for Proposal can be found at:  http://library.ohio.gov/lpd/awe-digital-learning-solutions-special-grant.  Individual proposals may not exceed a request of $4,999 in federal funds and may only be used to purchase AWE products.  Information on AWE products and services can be found at: http://www.awelearning.com/.

All proposals should be submitted electronically to mlodge@library.ohio.gov and must be received by midnight on March 19, 2012.  Funded proposals will run from April 15, 2012 – September 30, 2012. All equipment must be purchased through AWE between April 15, 2012 and May 31, 2012 in order to qualify for special pricing.

Questions on AWE products should be addressed to Paul Getzen, AWE Account Executive, at getzenp@awelearning.com.   Questions on the LSTA process should be addressed to Missy Lodge, Associate State Librarian for Library Development, mlodge@library.ohio.gov or 800-686-1532.