Bridging the Word Gap Research Network | Apply Online

Opportunity Information: Apply for HRSA 16 040

The Bridging the Word Gap Research Network program invites applications for a cooperative agreement aimed at creating a national interdisciplinary research network. This initiative seeks to address the vocabulary gap between children from low socio-economic status (SES) families and those from higher SES backgrounds. The focus is on fostering collaboration among researchers and stakeholders to develop and test interventions that enhance early language exposure and vocabulary development, particularly for children from low-SES families, including Dual Language Learners (DLLs).

The awarded program will carry out several significant activities, including:

1. **Infrastructure Development**: Creating and maintaining a national network of researchers and partners, such as early intervention specialists and healthcare professionals, to work on reducing the language gap.

2. **Internal Communications**: Establishing ongoing communication within the network as well as with the HRSA/MCHB Project Officer.

3. **Network Activities**: Developing a national research agenda to identify gaps in existing studies, implementing activities and research to address language exposure issues, and designing interventions that improve caregiver interactions.

4. **Funding and Collaboration**: Securing external funding for multi-level pilot studies and creating a collaborative environment that promotes innovative research projects.

5. **Dissemination**: Maintaining a website for sharing research findings and engaging with various stakeholders, and creating a plan to publish findings through peer-reviewed articles, webinars, conferences, and other outreach methods.

The program focuses on four key themes:

1. General research questions about interventions that improve caregiver language. 2. Adapting interventions for non-parental caregivers. 3. Exploring effective delivery methods for interventions. 4. Examining contextual factors affecting intervention impacts, particularly for families facing stress and poverty.

The grant encourages exploration of various research questions, such as the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions, the role of fathers in language development, and how to tailor interventions for DLLs. It is crucial that these studies consider the diverse cultural and linguistic needs of special populations, ensuring accessibility and responsiveness in research and interventions. The ultimate goal is to enhance language development and improve school readiness among children from lower SES backgrounds.

• The HHS-HRSA in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Bridging the Word Gap Research Network" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.110.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 09, 2016 and posted on Mar 09, 2016.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 09, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2025.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for HRSA 16 040

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