Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 031317 002
The Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) State Grants opportunity is a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Department of Education. Its central aim is to increase college readiness, high school completion, and postsecondary enrollment and success for students who face systemic barriers to higher education, especially eligible low-income students. The program explicitly includes support for students with disabilities and English learners, reflecting a focus on improving access and outcomes for groups that often need additional academic and navigational support to reach and thrive in college. While GEAR UP as a whole funds both State grants and partnership grants, this particular notice solicits applications only for State grants, with partnership grants to be competed under a separate notice.
For State grantees, the program requires a set of core services grounded in the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), particularly section 404D(a), with additional allowable activities described in sections 404D(b) and (c). In practice, this means State applicants must propose a strategy that goes beyond general college encouragement and instead delivers concrete, structured supports that move students through key milestones. Required activities include providing students and families with financial aid information (so students understand costs, FAFSA, and available aid), encouraging enrollment in rigorous and challenging coursework to reduce the need for college remediation, and implementing activities that measurably increase the number of students who earn a high school diploma, complete postsecondary applications, and ultimately enroll in a postsecondary education program. State grantees must also provide scholarships in accordance with HEA section 404E, making direct financial support a required component rather than an optional add-on. Alongside these required elements, GEAR UP funds can be used for a broader set of wraparound supports that commonly drive college-going outcomes, such as mentoring, tutoring, academic English language development, academic and career counseling, and exposure to college campuses to build familiarity and confidence with postsecondary environments.
Administratively, the opportunity is identified as ED GRANTS 031317 002 and is listed as a grant (funding instrument type) within the education funding activity category. Eligible applicants are primarily State governments, with the listing also referencing "Others" and directing applicants to the official Federal Register notice for the precise eligibility language and any clarifications. The notice emphasizes that the summary provided in the listing is only a synopsis and that the controlling, official requirements are those published in the Federal Register, including details such as application requirements, priorities, performance measures, and program contact information. The CFDA listing in the synopsis references GEAR UP under CFDA 84.334, and applicants are instructed to search Grants.gov using the base number (84.334) without the alpha suffix when locating the application package.
In terms of timing and award scale, applications for this competition became available on March 13, 2017, with a deadline to transmit applications by April 24, 2017. The anticipated maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $3,500,000, and the Department expected to make about 7 awards under this competition. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov; the agency explicitly notes that applicants cannot submit by emailing an electronic copy to the Department. The process described is the standard Grants.gov workflow: download the application package, complete it offline, then upload and submit through the portal by the deadline.
Overall, this GEAR UP State Grants competition is designed for States to build or expand a statewide, structured set of services that guide low-income cohorts toward high school graduation and college entry, while also addressing practical barriers like financial aid navigation and readiness gaps that can lead to remediation. The required mix of advising, academic support, application and enrollment assistance, and scholarship provision signals that successful proposals are expected to be comprehensive, coordinated, and outcome-driven, with the Federal Register notice serving as the definitive source for the exact selection criteria and compliance expectations.Apply for ED GRANTS 031317 002
- The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (State Grants) CFDA Number 84.334B" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.334.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 13, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 24, 2017 Applications Available March 13, 2017. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications April 24, 2017.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 7 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): OPE GEAR UP State Grants (ED GRANTS 031317 002)
1) What is this grant opportunity?
This is the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) State Grants opportunity, a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Department of Education. It focuses on improving college readiness, high school completion, and postsecondary enrollment and success for students who face systemic barriers to higher education, especially eligible low-income students.
2) Is this competition for GEAR UP State grants or partnership grants?
This notice solicits applications only for GEAR UP State grants. Partnership grants are competed under a separate notice.
3) What is the primary purpose of the GEAR UP State Grants program?
The central aim is to increase college readiness, high school completion, and postsecondary enrollment and success. The program is intended to help students progress through key milestones that lead to college entry and persistence, not just general college encouragement.
4) Who is the program intended to serve?
The program emphasizes students who face systemic barriers to higher education, especially eligible low-income students. It explicitly includes support for students with disabilities and English learners, reflecting a focus on access and improved outcomes for groups that often need additional academic and navigational support to reach and succeed in college.
5) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are primarily State governments. The listing also references "Others" and directs applicants to the official Federal Register notice for the precise eligibility language and any clarifications.
6) What is the funding instrument type and activity category?
The opportunity is listed as a grant (funding instrument type) within the education funding activity category.
7) What is the opportunity identifier?
The opportunity is identified as ED GRANTS 031317 002.
8) What is the CFDA number for this program?
The synopsis references GEAR UP under CFDA 84.334.
9) How do applicants find the application package on Grants.gov?
Applicants are instructed to search Grants.gov using the base number 84.334 (without the alpha suffix) when locating the application package.
10) What are the required services or activities for State grantees?
State grantees must provide core services grounded in the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), particularly section 404D(a), with additional allowable activities described in sections 404D(b) and (c). Required activities include:
- Providing students and families with financial aid information (including costs, FAFSA, and available aid).
- Encouraging enrollment in rigorous and challenging coursework to reduce the need for college remediation.
- Implementing activities that measurably increase the number of students who earn a high school diploma, complete postsecondary applications, and enroll in a postsecondary education program.
11) Are scholarships required under this State grant competition?
Yes. State grantees must provide scholarships in accordance with HEA section 404E. The synopsis describes scholarship provision as a required component rather than an optional add-on.
12) What kinds of additional (allowable) supports can GEAR UP funds be used for?
Alongside the required elements, GEAR UP funds can support a broader set of wraparound services commonly associated with college-going outcomes, such as:
- Mentoring
- Tutoring
- Academic English language development
- Academic and career counseling
- Exposure to college campuses to build familiarity and confidence with postsecondary environments
13) What makes a strong or responsive State grant strategy, based on the synopsis?
The synopsis indicates that State applicants should propose a concrete, structured, and coordinated set of supports that moves students through key milestones (readiness, high school completion, application completion, enrollment) and addresses practical barriers like financial aid navigation and readiness gaps that can lead to remediation. The expectation is that proposals will be comprehensive and outcome-driven.
14) What is the anticipated maximum award amount?
The anticipated maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $3,500,000.
15) How many awards were expected under this competition?
The Department expected to make about 7 awards.
16) When were applications available and when were they due?
Applications became available on March 13, 2017. The deadline to transmit applications was April 24, 2017.
17) How must applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. The agency notes that applicants cannot submit by emailing an electronic copy to the Department.
18) What is the basic submission workflow described?
The described workflow is the standard Grants.gov process: download the application package, complete it offline, then upload and submit it through Grants.gov by the deadline.
19) Where are the official requirements and selection details found?
The synopsis emphasizes that it is only a summary and that the controlling, official requirements are those published in the Federal Register. The Federal Register notice contains details such as application requirements, priorities, performance measures, and program contact information.
20) What laws or statutory sections are referenced for required and allowable activities?
The required core services are grounded in the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), particularly section 404D(a). Additional allowable activities are described in HEA sections 404D(b) and (c). Scholarship requirements are referenced under HEA section 404E.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: Notice of Intent - Geological Surveys to Refine Linkages Between Coastal System Geology and Coastal Resilience
Previous opportunity: VISTA Intern at Alligator River NWR
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for ED GRANTS 031317 002
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (ED GRANTS 031317 002) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Reading for Ethiopia's Achievement Developed (READ) II Activity Apply for RFA 663 17 000001 Funding Number: RFA 663 17 000001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Ethiopia USAID-Addis Ababa Category: Education Funding Amount: $99,000,000 |
| Support Education and Interpretive Programs at Olmsted NHS Apply for P17AS00122 Funding Number: P17AS00122 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $41,522 |
| Traditional Trades Youth Initiative FY17 Apply for P17AS00123 Funding Number: P17AS00123 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $125,680 |
| Cultural Landscapes, Historic Structures and Interpretation Interns Apply for P17AS00126 Funding Number: P17AS00126 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $9,840 |
| USAID Enrichining Youth for Tomorrow Apply for RFA 176 17 000002 Funding Number: RFA 176 17 000002 Agency: Agency for International Development, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty Category: Education Funding Amount: $3,175,000 |
| Grants to Local Educational Agencies for Military-Connected Academic and Support Programs Apply for HE1254 17 R 9999 Funding Number: HE1254 17 R 9999 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Play, Learn, Serve, Work Summer Camp Program 2017 Apply for P17AS00131 Funding Number: P17AS00131 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) 2018 Apply for SVM700 17 PAS 004 Funding Number: SVM700 17 PAS 004 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Vietnam Category: Education Funding Amount: $5,000 |
| Conservation Interns for Kennel projects in Denali National Park and Preserve. Apply for NPS DOIP17AC00216 Funding Number: NPS DOIP17AC00216 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $28,000 |
| ACE Interpretation and Resource Management Positions Apply for P17AS00143 Funding Number: P17AS00143 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $38,220 |
| All India Access Camp Apply for ND NOFO 17 100 Funding Number: ND NOFO 17 100 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Interpretive Youth Interns Apply for P17AS00144 Funding Number: P17AS00144 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $36,598 |
| Youth Employment and Education Programming at Fort McHenry NMHS and Hampton NHS Apply for P17AS00146 Funding Number: P17AS00146 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $108,997 |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII): Expanding Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Program: Grants for Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities CFDA Number 84.354A Apply for ED GRANTS 032717 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 032717 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
| Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII): Expanding Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP): Grants to State Entities CFDA Number 84.282A Apply for ED GRANTS 032717 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 032717 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $23,000,000 |
| Conservation Intern for Education projects at Fairbanks Interagency Visitor Center’s Division of Interpretation and Education. Apply for NPS DOIP17AC00213 Funding Number: NPS DOIP17AC00213 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Youth Programming Spindle City Corps, 2017 Maintenance Teams Apply for P17AS00150 Funding Number: P17AS00150 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $70,700 |
| Leaders for Democracy Fellowships Apply for NEAAC ACBURGR 17 006 Funding Number: NEAAC ACBURGR 17 006 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Education Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| FY 17 Preserve America Youth Summit at PAIS/PAAL, PETR and FLFO Apply for P17AS00153 Funding Number: P17AS00153 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $115,000 |
| Tsongas Industrial History Center Partnership Apply for NPS 17 NERO 0028 Funding Number: NPS 17 NERO 0028 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $119,554 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "ED GRANTS 031317 002", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.