In what the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) termed a “big victory for the physical education community,” the U.S. Department of Education on March 29 launched its 2012 PEP Grant application process. All applications must be submitted by May 13. The Department of Education will complete its review of PEP applications by July 12.
The SGMA said the DOE's move comes less than a month after the completion of SGMA's 12th National Health Through Fitness Day (March 2) drew nearly 150 leaders from organizations in the sports and fitness industries joined PE teachers and other advocates for meetings with Congress to request support for policies to “Get America Moving.”
“It is great news that the Department of Education plans to continue funding PEP, however the final 2011 budget has yet to be approved by Congress which creates uncertainty on the future of the program,” said Bill Sells, SGMA's vice president of government relations.
Sells continued, “With the remaining years of previously awarded grants still needing funds, the final PEP budget in the Department of Education will have a significant impact on 2012 PEP awards.”
Should Congress eliminate or drastically reduce PEP funding in the final 2011 budget, the Department of Education would suspend the application process until additional funds are allocated to the program.
The funding level for PEP will be determined in April, when Congress is expected to complete work on the budget for the remainder of fiscal year 2011.
The Congressional budget process for 2012 has been delayed due to the absence of a 2011 budget, but SGMA said it's is a positive sign that the Department of Education has begun the PEP grant application process.
In the past, PEP Grants have ranged from $100,000 to $750,000 with the average grant being $427,000.
