Overview for Implementation Clusters
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) seeks up to five (5) contractors to serve as the Lead Entities for implementation of Learning Exchanges as defined in this Request for Sealed Proposals (RFSP) (PDF 
) in each of the following Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (“STEM”) application areas (also referred to as “clusters”).
1. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources;
2. Manufacturing;
3. Information Technology;
4. Research and Development; and
5. Health Science.
In order to apply you must register with the Illinois Procurement Bulletin 
. Visit the bulletin web page to view the Solicitation Overview for the STEM Learning Exchange Lead Entities for Implementation Clusters.
Overview for Planning Clusters
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) seeks up to three (3) contractors to serve as the Lead Entities for planning of Learning Exchanges as defined in this RFSP (PDF 
) in each of the following Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ("STEM") applications areas (also referred to as "clusters").
1. Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics;
2. Energy; and
3. Finance.
In order to apply you must register with the Illinois Procurement Bulletin . Visit the bulletin web page to view the Solicitation Overview for the STEM Learning Exchange Lead Entities for Planning Clusters.
The STEM Learning Exchanges are envisioned as public-private partnerships that include representatives from various educational institutions, student organizations, research centers, business and industry leaders, labor and professional organizations, state governmental agencies, and community partners statewide. The successful bidders will also work with the Illinois Pathways Interagency Committee (“IPIC”), a committee created to implement educational reform initiatives that support structured pathways related to students' academic and career interests, including the STEM Learning Exchanges. ISBE and IPIC will work closely in administering all aspects of Learning Exchange planning and implementation.
The RFSP deadline is 4:00 p.m. CDT on July 12, 2012.
For more information please visit the Illinois Pathways Grants page.