URGENT ACTION NEEDED: COLORADO'S RACE TO THE TOP - SAMPLE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR FUNDING

(Insert Date)


Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20202

Dear Secretary Duncan,

**This template is provided to simplify the process of writing a letter of support. We encourage you to expand on the template to clearly communicate your organization’s support for Colorado’s Race to the Top application.

(In the first paragraph, express your support of Colorado’s application for a Race to the Top grant, the organization you represent and/or your title.)
I am writing to express my support for Colorado’s application to the U.S. Department of Education for a Race to the Top grant. As (position title) of the (name of your organization), I strongly believe that the plans outlined in Colorado’s proposal will help raise the performance of children in Colorado and close the achievement gap.

(In the second paragraph, please connect your organization to the proposal and communicate your support.)
The (name of your organization) focuses on ensuring all Colorado’s children receive a high quality education and graduate prepared for success in postsecondary education and the workforce. The infusions of funds through the Race to the Top grant would secure Colorado’s ability to collaborate with districts and stakeholders to fully implement the state’s proposal and provide educators with the necessary conditions to effectively serve all students.

(In the third paragraph, reiterate your support of the proposal, and highlight its value. Thank the Secretary for his consideration of the proposal.)
On behalf of the (name of your organization), I applaud Colorado for submitting a bold proposal that paves the way for improving student performance and closing achievement gaps throughout Colorado. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,



Your Name
Title
Organization