LAAP APPLICATION GUIDELINES NOW AVAILABLE ONLY BY MAIL - LAAP Application Guidelines are no longer available on the Web. For a set of application materials send your postal mailing address to LAAP@ed.gov. The Learning Anytime Anywhere Partnerships (LAAP) program is a grant competition newly authorized by the 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965. Ten million dollars in grants will be awarded in Fiscal Year 1999 to broaden access to technology-mediated education that is not limited by time or place. LAAP will support partnerships that may include universities, colleges, businesses, community organizations, and other entities to use technology to address the biggest challenges and opportunities in postsecondary education and lifelong learning. Ideally, LAAP projects should make possible resource sharing and activities that would not occur were any of the participating partners to act on their own.

LAAP will be considering proposals addressing:
- Cost, Scalability, and Sustainability
- Balancing Interactivity, Cost, and Flexibility
- Developing High Quality, Interactive Courseware
- Packaging Courses and Programs
- Using Skill Competencies and Learning Outcomes
- Improving Quality and Accountability
- Creating New Opportunities for Underserved Learners
- Improving Support Services

Eligible partnerships must consist of two or more independent agencies, organizations or institutions. The partners may include institutions of higher education, community organizations, and other public and private institutions, agencies, and organizations. A non-profit organization should be designated to serve as the lead applicant and fiscal agent for the partnership.

LAAP grants may provide up to five years of funding, depending on the scope of the requested activities. Federal funds shall provide not more than 50 percent of the total cost of LAAP- funded projects. The nonfederal share of project costs may be in cash or in kind. LAAP does not expect to provide support for large equipment purchases or for the development of computer networks. Applications will be a two-stage process. All applicants must submit a "preliminary proposal" up to seven pages in length by April 2, 1999. A select number will be invited in May to submit a "final proposal" by June 18, up to twenty-five pages in length. Award decisions are expected to be announced by July 31.