Funds are awarded to institutions of higher education, public and private agencies and organizations, combinations of such entities, and secondary schools, to identify qualified disadvantaged youths with potential for postsecondary education, encourage them to complete secondary school and undertake postsecondary educational training, and publicize existing forms of student aid. Projects must provide connections to academic tutoring services, advice on and assistance in selecting secondary and college courses, assistance in preparing for college entrance exams and in completing college applications, information on student financial aid and assistance in completing financial aid applications, connections to services designed to improve financial and economic literacy, and guidance and assistance in re-entering and completing secondary school. Projects may also provide academic tutoring personal and career counseling; information on career options, exposure to college campuses, workshops and counseling for families of students served, mentoring programs involving school teachers and counselors; and services specially designed for students with disabilities or limited English proficiency, homeless children and youth, and students in foster care. A grantee may not use the project as a part of its recruitment program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Institutions of higher education (IHEs), public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth, combinations of such institutions, agencies and organizations, and as appropriate to the purposes of the program, secondary schools.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals residing in the target area or attending a target school who have potential for education at the postsecondary level and who can benefit from one or more of the services provided by the project. Two-thirds must be low-income individuals who are also potential first generation college students. Project participants must be between 11 and 27 years old (exceptions allowed). Required low-income criteria for participants are stated in application materials.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations EDGAR). OMB Circular No. A-21 applies to this program. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
