Bethany Bump is reporting at Capitol Confidential the state Education Department is encouraging school districts, colleges and other groups to apply for $9 million in grants now available to help prepare boys and young men of color for college, workforce and teaching careers. The grant program is part of the My Brother's Keeper initiative, which aims to eliminate the opportunity gaps that confront minority boys and young men. The grants will support the Teacher Opportunity Corps and the Family and Community Engagement Program, which is intended to bring more economically disadvantaged individuals, black, Hispanic/Latino and other minorities into the teaching profession. And the Family and Community Engagement Program will promote parent advocacy, mentorship and the development of outreach material in home languages so non-English-speaking parents can learn how to be involved in their child's education. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.