Additional NYSED Information & Funding Opportunities
Direct Deposit
The Office of the State Comptroller has instituted Automated Clearing House (ACH) as the preferred payment method and are now requiring vendors already enrolled in ACH to be paid utilizing the ACH payment method. Vendors that have selected the receipt of paper checks as their preferred method of payment will continue to receive checks. However, we strongly encourage vendors and schools which are still receiving checks to enroll in ACH. ACH payments provide both the sender and receiver with the advantages of improved controls, reduced chances for check fraud, better cash management, and greatly reduced bank charges.
Your institution should access the Statewide Financial System (SFS) SFS Help Desk and confirm that ACH is selected as the preferred method of payment by navigating to the Location tab on the vendor record and selecting the “Payables” hyperlink. Once in Payables, the payment method is displayed under the “Additional Payables Options,” “Additional Payment Information” section. If the Payment Method is ACH, the payment will be made via ACH. Payments may be rejected by OSC if a vendor has ACH as a payment option but choose not to make it their default. If vendors have questions after using the online Self-Service for Vendors, please contact the SFS Help Desk (SFS Help Desk| 877-737-4185 toll-free | 518-457-7737).
21st Century Community Learning Centers
The federally-funded program, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, supports the creation of community learning centers that operate programs during non-school hours for students, particularly for students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools, and their families. By providing tutoring and other academic enrichment activities along with a broad array of youth development opportunities that complement their regular academic programs, these centers help students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as English language arts and math. In addition, literacy and other educational services are offered to families of students participating in the program.
Learning Technology Grant Programs (LTG)
The Learning Technology Grant Program (LTG) is run by the Office of Educational Design & Technology.
LTG is a competitive, three-year New York State grant program, based upon Commissioner’s Regulations 144.8. The purpose of this grant is to develop, implement, and share innovative programs that utilize learning technologies to personalize learning and/or increase access to high-quality, rigorous learning experiences (such as through online, distance, or blended learning), as well as professional development programs to assist teachers and educational leaders in effectively utilizing learning technology to enhance teaching and learning. These programs (and component activities, materials, courses, etc.) will focus on improving culturally- and linguistically-responsive learning environments, and will support the mission of the NYS Board of Regents, which is to ensure that every child has equitable access to the highest quality educational opportunities, services and supports in schools that provide effective instruction aligned to the state’s standards, as well as positive learning environments so that each child is prepared for success in college, career, and citizenship.
Eligible applicants include public schools districts, BOCES and consortiums thereof. All public school district applicants, either independent or as part of a consortium, must give religious and independent schools within their boundaries the opportunity to participate. Religious and independent schools choosing to participate must be given the opportunity for meaningful and substantial involvement in the development of the proposal. The current grant period is from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024.
All questions regarding LTG please email LTG@nysed.gov or contact the Office of Educational Design and Technology at (518) 474-5461 or edtech@nysed.gov.
Purchasing Safety Equipment, New York State Contract
We are pleased to confirm that Section 109-a of the General Municipal Law permits nonprofit religious and independent schools to participate in the State Office of General Services (OGS) Contract, which may result in lower costs for purchase and installation of eligible safety equipment for your school. Since the State Contract contains a broader list of equipment than the eligible list for NPSE, school officials should confirm that the equipment appears on the NYSED list of eligible equipment for NPSE.
In order for your nonprofit school to purchase off of a NYS contract, you will need a Customer ID number. If your school has purchased off of a NYS contract in the past, then the school will have a Customer ID number as it does not expire.
In the event that you need a Customer ID number, please complete the Application for Eligibility to use Centralized State Contracts.
To view potential contracts, please visit the Searchable List of OGS Contracts.