Notice2024-27055
Applications for New Awards; Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (State Grants)
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 20, 2024
Issuing agencies
Education Department
Abstract
The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2025 for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) State Grants.
Full Text
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 91715-91722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-27055]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Gaining Early Awareness and
Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (State Grants)
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2025 for
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR
UP) State Grants.
DATES:
Applications Available: November 20, 2024.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February 3, 2025.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: April 4, 2025.
ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the
Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045), and available at
<a href="http://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs">www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ben Witthoefft, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-
6450. Telephone: 202-453-7576. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#692b0c07473e001d1d01060c0f0f1d290c0d470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="387a5d56166f514c4c50575d5e5e4c785d5c165f574e">[email protected]</span></a>.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and
wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7-1-1.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The GEAR UP program is a discretionary grant
program that encourages eligible entities to provide support, and
maintain a commitment, to eligible students from low-income
backgrounds, including students with disabilities, to assist the
students in obtaining a secondary school diploma (or its recognized
equivalent) and to prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education.
Under the GEAR UP program, the Department awards grants to two types of
entities: (1) States and (2) Partnerships consisting of at least one
degree-granting institution of higher education (IHE) and at least one
local educational agency (LEA).
Assistance Listing Number: 84.334S.
OMB Control Number: 1840-0821.
Background: In this notice, the Department invites applications for
State grants only. We will invite applications for Partnership grants
in another notice published in the Federal Register. Required services
under the GEAR UP program are specified in section 404D(a) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(a)),
and permissible services under the GEAR UP program are specified in
section 404D(b) and (c) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(b) and (c)).
Grantee activities must include providing financial aid information for
postsecondary education, encouraging enrollment in rigorous and
challenging coursework in order to reduce the need for remediation at
the postsecondary education level, implementing activities to improve
the number of participating students who obtain a secondary school
diploma and who complete applications for and enroll in a program of
postsecondary education, and providing scholarships as specified in
section 404E of the HEA. Activities may also include mentoring;
tutoring; supporting dual or concurrent enrollment programs; providing
special programs or tutoring in science, technology, engineering, or
mathematics (STEM); academic and career counseling; financial and
economic literacy education; and exposure to college campuses.
Additional permissible activities for State grantees are specified in
sections 404D(b) and (c) of the HEA.
Priorities: This notice contains four competitive preference
priorities and one invitational priority. In accordance with 34 CFR
75.105(b)(2)(ii) and (iv), Competitive Preference Priority 1 is from
section 404A(b)(3) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-21(b)(3)) and the GEAR
UP program regulations (34 CFR 694.19). Competitive Preference
Priorities 2 and 3 are from the Secretary's Final Supplemental
Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, published
in the Federal Register on December 10, 2021 (86 FR 70612)
(Supplemental Priorities). Competitive Preference Priority 4 is from 34
CFR 75.226(b).
[[Page 91716]]
Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2025 and any subsequent
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award up to an additional
15 points to an application, depending on how well the application
meets the competitive preference priorities.
These priorities are:
Competitive Preference Priority 1--Successful State GEAR UP grant
prior to August 14, 2008 (0 or 2 points).
We give priority to an eligible applicant for a State GEAR UP grant
that has both--
(a) Carried out a successful State GEAR UP grant prior to August
14, 2008, determined on the basis of data (including outcome data)
submitted by the applicant as part of its annual and final performance
reports, and the applicant's history of compliance with applicable
statutory and regulatory requirements; and
(b) A prior demonstrated commitment to early intervention leading
to college access through collaboration and replication of successful
strategies.
Competitive Preference Priority 2--Increasing Postsecondary
Education Access, Affordability, Completion, and Post-Enrollment
Success (up to 5 points).
Projects that are designed to increase postsecondary access,
affordability, completion, and success for underserved students by
establishing a system of high-quality data collection and analysis,
such as data on persistence, retention, completion, and post-college
outcomes, for transparency, accountability, and institutional
improvement.
Competitive Preference Priority 3--Meeting Student Social,
Emotional, and Academic Needs (up to 5 points).
Projects that are designed to improve students' social, emotional,
academic, and career development, with a focus on underserved students,
through fostering partnerships, including across government agencies
(e.g., housing, human services, employment agencies), local educational
agencies, community-based organizations, adult learning providers, and
postsecondary education intuitions, to provide comprehensive services
to students and families that support students' social, emotional,
mental health, and academic needs, and that are inclusive with regard
to race, ethnicity, culture, language, and disability status.
Competitive Preference Priority 4--Moderate Evidence (0 or 3
points).
Applications supported by evidence that meets the conditions in the
definition of ``moderate evidence'' (as defined in this notice).
Note: To address this priority, an applicant may submit up to
two study citations that it believes support the implementation of a
GEAR UP authorized activity proposed in the application and that
meet the moderate evidence standard. For State grantees, required
GEAR UP services are specified in section 404D(a) of the HEA (20
U.S.C. 1070a-24(a)), and permissible services are specified in
section 404D(b) and (c) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(b) and (c)).
Applicants can cite What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) intervention
reports, WWC practice guides, or individual studies, including those
already listed in the Department's WWC Database of Individual Studies
\1\ and those that have not yet been reviewed by the WWC.
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\1\ <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/ReviewedStudies#">https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/ReviewedStudies#</a>.
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The proposed studies must be cited in the application section for
Competitive Preference Priority 4 as well as on the Evidence Form.
Applicants must also describe: (1) the project component(s) from the
cited research they intend to implement in their GEAR UP project, (2)
the relevant outcome(s) that are included in both the study (or WWC
practice guide or intervention report) and in the proposed project, (3)
the research findings suggesting a favorable relationship between the
project component and the relevant outcome, and (4) how the population
and/or settings in the cited research overlap with that of the proposed
project. The Department will review the research cited by the applicant
to determine whether it meets the requirements for moderate evidence
and whether it is sufficiently aligned with the proposed project.
Invitational Priority--Supporting Highly Mobile Youth.
Background: Compared to their peers, highly mobile youth, including
youth who experience homelessness, foster care, and/or are disconnected
from school and work, including students who are or have been involved
in the criminal justice system, are less likely to graduate high
school, enroll in college, or earn a degree.\2\ Multiple school changes
compounded by other life circumstances outside of their control result
in many highly mobile youth being unable to access the financial
resources, mentorship, support, stability, and guidance needed to
complete postsecondary education or training programs.\3\
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\2\ Student Homelessness in America--School Years 2019-20 to
2021-22 <a href="https://nche.ed.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SY-21-22-EHCY-Data-Summary_FINAL.pdf">https://nche.ed.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SY-21-22-EHCY-Data-Summary_FINAL.pdf</a>.
\3\ Missed Opportunities: Education Among Youth Experiencing
Homelessness in America <a href="https://schoolhouseconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/imported-files/ChapinHall_VoYC_Education-Brief.pdf">https://schoolhouseconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/imported-files/ChapinHall_VoYC_Education-Brief.pdf</a>.
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The Department believes that the GEAR UP State grant program, which
allows States to identify and serve priority students as defined in
section 404D(d), including students in foster care, students
experiencing homelessness and other disconnected students, can play a
key role in addressing gaps in high school graduation, college
enrollment and college completion between highly mobile students and
their peers. Through this invitational priority, we invite State
applicants to propose projects that are designed to prioritize this
student population.
For FY 2025 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from
the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority
is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not give
an application that meets this invitational priority a competitive or
absolute preference over other applications.
This priority is:
Projects that propose to prioritize services to highly mobile
students, including students experiencing (or who have experienced)
foster care and homelessness, homeless students, and students
disconnected from school and work, including students who are or have
been involved in the criminal justice system. An applicant should
describe in its application how it will use grant funding to reduce
barriers to college enrollment and completion for these students both
by (1) proactively identifying students who are GEAR UP-eligible by
virtue of their status as homeless, foster care, and/or disconnected
students, and (2) providing GEAR UP scholarships and support services
that are targeted to the needs of these students.
Definitions: The definitions of ``experimental study,'' ``logic
model,'' ``moderate evidence,'' ``project component,'' ``quasi-
experimental design study,'' ``relevant outcome,'' and ``What Works
Clearinghouse (WWC) Handbooks (WWC Handbooks)'' are from 34 CFR
77.1(c). The definitions of ``children or students with disabilities,''
``disconnected youth,'' ``English learner,'' and ``underserved
student'' are from the Supplemental Priorities.
Experimental study means a study that is designed to compare
outcomes between two groups of individuals (such as students) that are
otherwise
[[Page 91717]]
equivalent except for their assignment to either a treatment group
receiving a project component or a control group that does not.
Randomized controlled trials, regression discontinuity design studies,
and single-case design studies are the specific types of experimental
studies that, depending on their design and implementation (e.g.,
sample attrition in randomized controlled trials and regression
discontinuity design studies), can meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC)
standards without reservations as described in the WWC Handbooks:
(i) A randomized controlled trial employs random assignment of, for
example, students, teachers, classrooms, or schools to receive the
project component being evaluated (the treatment group) or not to
receive the project component (the control group).
(ii) A regression discontinuity design study assigns the project
component being evaluated using a measured variable (e.g., assigning
students reading below a cutoff score to tutoring or developmental
education classes) and controls for that variable in the analysis of
outcomes.
(iii) A single-case design study uses observations of a single case
(e.g., a student eligible for a behavioral intervention) over time in
the absence and presence of a controlled treatment manipulation to
determine whether the outcome is systematically related to the
treatment.
Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project
components and relevant outcomes.
Note: In developing logic models, applicants may want to use
resources such as the Regional Educational Laboratory Program's (REL
Pacific) Education Logic Model Application, available at <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/elm.asp">https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/elm.asp</a>, to help design their
logic models. Other sources include: <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014025.pdf">https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014025.pdf</a>, <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014007.pdf">https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014007.pdf</a>, and <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/pdf/REL_2015057.pdf">https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/pdf/REL_2015057.pdf</a>.
Moderate evidence means that there is evidence of effectiveness of
a key project component in improving a relevant outcome for a sample
that overlaps with the populations or settings proposed to receive that
component, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
(i) A practice guide prepared by the WWC using version 2.1, 3.0,
4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks reporting a ``strong evidence base''
or ``moderate evidence base'' for the corresponding practice guide
recommendation;
(ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC using version 2.1,
3.0, 4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks reporting a ``positive effect''
or ``potentially positive effect'' on a relevant outcome based on a
``medium to large'' extent of evidence, with no reporting of a
``negative effect'' or ``potentially negative effect'' on a relevant
outcome; or
(iii) A single experimental study or quasi-experimental design
study reviewed and reported by the WWC using version 2.1, 3.0, 4.0, or
4.1 of the WWC Handbooks, or otherwise assessed by the Department using
version 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks, as appropriate, and that--
(A) Meets WWC standards with or without reservations;
(B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome;
(C) Includes no overriding statistically significant and negative
effects on relevant outcomes reported in the study or in a
corresponding WWC intervention report prepared under version 2.1, 3.0,
4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks; and
(D) Is based on a sample from more than one site (e.g., State,
county, city, school district, or postsecondary campus) and includes at
least 350 students or other individuals across sites. Multiple studies
of the same project component that each meet requirements in paragraphs
(iii)(A), (B), and (C) of this definition may together satisfy the
requirement in this paragraph (iii)(D).
Note: The WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook (Version 4.1),
as well as the more recent WWC Handbook released in August 2022
(Version 5.0), are available at <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks">https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks</a>.
Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention,
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices
for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).
Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that
attempts to approximate an experimental study by identifying a
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important
respects. This type of study, depending on design and implementation
(e.g., establishment of baseline equivalence of the groups being
compared), can meet WWC standards with reservations, but cannot meet
WWC standards without reservations, as described in the WWC Handbooks.
Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s)
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the
specific goals of the program.
Underserved student means a student in postsecondary education in
one or more of the following subgroups:
(a) A student who is living in poverty or is served by schools with
high concentrations of students living in poverty.
(b) A student of color.
(c) A student who is a member of a federally recognized Indian
Tribe.
(d) An English learner.
(e) A child or student with a disability.
(f) A disconnected youth.
(g) A migrant student.
(h) A student experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
(i) A lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, or
intersex (LGBTQI+) student.
(j) A student who is in foster care.
(k) A pregnant, parenting, or caregiving student.
(l) A student who is the first in their family to attend
postsecondary education.
(m) A student who is enrolled in or is seeking to enroll in
postsecondary education who is eligible for a Pell Grant.
For purposes of the definition of underserved student only--
Children or students with disabilities means children with
disabilities as defined in section 602(3) of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. 1401(3)) and 34 CFR 300.8,
or students with disabilities, as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (29 U.S.C. 705(37), 705(20)(B));
Disconnected youth means an individual, between the ages 14 and 24,
who may be from a low-income background, experiences homelessness, is
in foster care, is involved in the justice system, or is not working or
not enrolled in (or at risk of dropping out of) an educational
institution; and
English learner means an individual who is an English learner as
defined in section 8101(20) of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965, as amended, or an individual who is an English language
learner as defined in section 203(7) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act.
What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Handbooks (WWC Handbooks) means
[[Page 91718]]
the standards and procedures set forth in the WWC Procedures and
Standards Handbook, Version 5.0, or in the WWC Standards Handbook,
Version 4.0 or 4.1, or in the WWC Procedures Handbook, Version 4.0 or
4.1, the WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook, Version 3.0 or Version
2.1 (all incorporated by reference, see Sec. 77.2). Study findings
eligible for review under WWC standards can meet WWC standards without
reservations, meet WWC standards with reservations, or not meet WWC
standards. WWC practice guides and intervention reports include
findings from systematic reviews of evidence as described in the WWC
Handbooks documentation.
Note: The WWC Procedures Handbook (Version 4.0 or 4.1), the WWC
Standards Handbook (Version 4.0 or 4.1), and the more recent WWC
Procedures and Standards Handbook released in August 2022 (Version
5.0), are available at <a href="https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks">https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks</a>.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-21-1070a-28.
Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in
Federal civil rights laws.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 97,
98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidelines to
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance
in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the
Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations for this program in
34 CFR part 694. (e) The Supplemental Priorities.
Note: As of October 1, 2024, grant applicants must follow the
provisions stated in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial
Assistance (89 FR 30046, April 22, 2024) when preparing an
application. For more information about these regulations please
visit: <a href="https://www.cfo.gov/resources-coffa/uniform-guidance/">https://www.cfo.gov/resources-coffa/uniform-guidance/</a>.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested
$398,000,000 for GEAR UP for FY 2025, of which we intend to use an
estimated $35,000,000 for the State competition. The actual level of
funding, if any, depends on final congressional action. However, we are
inviting applications to allow enough time to complete the grant
process if Congress appropriates funds for this program.
Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
Estimated Range of Awards: $3,000,000-$5,000,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $4,000,000.
Maximum Award: We will not make an award for a State grant
exceeding $5,000,000 for a single budget period of 12 months.
Additionally, no funding will be awarded for increases in years 2
through 7.
Estimated Number of Awards: 8.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Project Period: Either 72 months or 84 months.
Note: An applicant that wishes to seek funding for a seventh
project year (i.e., for a project period greater than 72 months) in
order to provide project services to GEAR UP students through their
first year of attendance at an IHE must propose to do so in its
application.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: States (as defined in section 103(20) of
the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1003(20)), which includes the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the United States
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and
the Freely Associated States. Per congressional direction in Senate
Report 118-84 (Pub. L. 118-47), only States without an active State
GEAR UP grant, or States that have an active State GEAR UP grant that
is scheduled to end prior to October 1, 2025, are eligible to receive a
new State GEAR UP award in this competition. States with grants
remaining open beyond October 1, 2025, for a no-cost extension period
or for the sole purpose of data collection and analysis activities, are
not considered active for purposes of implementing this directive.
2.a. Cost Sharing or Matching: Section 404C(b)(1) of the HEA (20
U.S.C. 1070a-23(b)(1)) requires grantees under this program to provide
from State, local, institutional, or private funds, not less than 50
percent of the cost of the program (or one dollar of non-Federal funds
for every one dollar of Federal funds awarded), which may be provided
in cash or in-kind. The provision also specifies that the match may be
accrued over the full duration of the grant award period, except that
the grantee must make substantial progress toward meeting the matching
requirement in each year of the grant award period.
Section 404C(c) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-23(c)) provides that
in-kind contributions may include (1) the amount of the financial
assistance obligated under GEAR UP to students from State, local,
institutional, or private funds, (2) the amount of tuition, fees, room
or board waived or reduced for recipients of financial assistance under
GEAR UP, (3) the amount expended on documented, targeted, long-term
mentoring and counseling provided by volunteers or paid staff of non-
school organizations, including businesses, religious organizations,
community groups, postsecondary educational institutions, nonprofit and
philanthropic organizations, and other organizations, and (4) equipment
and supplies, cash contributions from non-Federal sources,
transportation expenses, in-kind or discounted program services,
indirect costs, and facility usage.
Grantees must include a budget detailing the source of the matching
funds and must provide an outline of the types of matching
contributions for at least the first year of the grant in their grant
applications. Consistent with 2 CFR 200.306(b), any matching funds must
be an allowable use of funds consistent with the GEAR UP program
requirements and the cost principles described in subpart E of 2 CFR
part 200, and not included as a contribution for any other Federal
award.
b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This competition involves supplement,
not supplant funding requirements. Under section 404B(e) of the HEA (20
U.S.C. 1070a-22(e)), grant funds awarded under this program must be
used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and local
funds that would otherwise be expended to carry out activities assisted
under this program.
c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: For entities eligible to apply
to this competition, the program regulations at 34 CFR 694.11 limit
indirect cost reimbursement to the rate determined in the entity's
negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, or 8 percent of a modified
total direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information
regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate,
please see <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html">www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html</a>.
d. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All
administrative expenses must be
[[Page 91719]]
reasonable and necessary and conform to Cost Principles described in 2
CFR part 200 subpart E of the Guidance for Federal Financial
Assistance.
3. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c), a grantee under
this competition may award subgrants to the following types of
entities: LEAs, State educational agencies, IHEs, and nonprofit
organizations. The grantee may only award subgrants to entities it has
identified in an approved application. Under 34 CFR 75.708(d), grantees
must ensure that (1) subgrants are awarded on the basis of an approved
budget that is consistent with the grantee's approved application and
all applicable Federal statutory, regulatory, and other requirements;
(2) every subgrant includes any conditions required by Federal statute
and executive orders and their implementing regulations; and (3)
subgrantees are aware of requirements imposed upon them by Federal
statute and regulation, including the Federal anti-discrimination laws
enforced by the Department.
4. Other--General Application Requirements: All applicants must
meet the following application requirements in order to be considered
for funding. The application requirements are from sections 404C(a) and
404E of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-23(a); 20 U.S.C. 1070a-25) and from 34
CFR 75.112.
In order for an eligible entity to qualify for a grant under the
GEAR UP program, the eligible entity must submit to the Secretary an
application for carrying out a GEAR UP program that--
(a) Describes the activities for which assistance under this
program is sought, including how the eligible entity will carry out the
required activities described in section 404D(a) of the HEA;
(b) Describes, in the case of an eligible entity described in
section 404A(c)(1) of the HEA, how the eligible entity will meet the
requirements of section 404E of the HEA;
(c) Provides assurances that adequate administrative and support
staff will be responsible for coordinating the activities described in
section 404D of the HEA;
(d) Provides assurances that activities assisted under this program
will not displace an employee or eliminate a position at a school
assisted under this program, including a partial displacement such as a
reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits;
(e) Describes, in the case of an eligible entity described in
section 404A(c)(1) of the HEA that chooses to use a cohort approach,
how the eligible entity will define the cohorts of the students served
by the eligible entity pursuant to section 404B(d) of the HEA, and how
the eligible entity will serve the cohorts through grade 12,
including--
(1) How vacancies in the program will be filled; and
(2) How the eligible entity will serve students attending different
secondary schools;
(f) Describes how the eligible entity will coordinate programs
under this program with other existing Federal, State, or local
programs to avoid duplication and maximize the number of students
served;
(g) Provides such additional assurances as the Secretary determines
necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this program;
(h) Provides information about the activities that will be carried
out by the eligible entity to support systemic changes from which
future cohorts of students will benefit;
(i) Describes the sources of matching funds that will enable the
eligible entity to meet the matching requirement described in section
404C(b); and
(j) Demonstrates, in the case of an eligible entity that is
requesting to use more than 50 percent of grant funds on GEAR UP early
intervention activities and less than 50 percent of grant funds on
scholarships, that the eligible entity has another means or multiple
means of providing scholarships that meet the minimum Pell Grant
requirements under 20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(d) to students eligible for a
GEAR UP scholarship under 20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(g). A State requesting an
exception from the requirement that it spend at least 50 percent of its
grant dollars on scholarships must provide, in its application,
documentation of the other means of providing scholarships to students
eligible for a GEAR UP scholarship under 20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(g), such as
a comprehensive list of other sources of aid that reduce or eliminate
the need for the grantee to provide GEAR UP scholarships to eligible
students out of its Federal funding; the projected number of students
that the grantee expects to receive aid through those sources (e.g.
based on past cohorts, if applicable); and, if any, an estimated number
of students eligible for a GEAR UP scholarship that are not expected to
receive aid through those other sources.
(k) Applicants must include a logic model (as defined in 34 CFR
77.1(c)) or other conceptual framework.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal
Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045), and available at <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs</a>, which contain requirements and information on how to
submit an application.
2. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order
12372 is in the application package for this program.
3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in subpart E
of 2 CFR part 200. We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
Under HEA section 404E(b)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(b)(1)), a State
must use not less than 25 percent and not more than 50 percent of the
grant funds for GEAR UP project activities described in HEA section
404D,\4\ with the remainder of grant funds spent on scholarships to
eligible GEAR UP students described in HEA section 404E. However, HEA
section 404E(b)(2) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(b)(2)) permits the Secretary to
allow a State to use more than 50 percent of grant funds received under
this program for GEAR UP project activities described in HEA section
404D if the State demonstrates that it has another means of providing
the students eligible for a GEAR UP scholarship as defined under 20
U.S.C. 1070a-25(g) with the financial assistance described in HEA
section 404E and describes such means in the State's application.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ Excluding the provision of funds for postsecondary
scholarships required by HEA section 404D(a)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you,
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the
application narrative to no more than 65 pages and (2) use the
following standards:
<bullet> A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1''
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
<bullet> Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch)
all text in the application narrative, excluding titles, headings,
footnotes, quotations, references, captions as well as all text in
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
[[Page 91720]]
<bullet> Use a font that is either 12-point font or larger or no
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
<bullet> Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier,
Courier New, or Arial.
The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the
assurances and certifications; a scholarship waiver justification; or
the one-page abstract. However, the recommended page limit does apply
to all of the application narrative.
We recommend that any application addressing the competitive
preference priorities and/or invitational priority include no more than
three additional pages for each priority addressed.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition
are from 34 CFR 75.210 and are as follows:
(a) Need for project. (up to 10 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the the need for the proposed project.
(2) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary
considers:
(i) The data presented (including a comparison to local, State,
regional, national, or international data) that demonstrates the issue,
challenge, or opportunity to be addressed by the proposed project (up
to 4 points);
(ii) The extent to which the proposed project will focus on serving
or otherwise addressing the needs of underserved populations; (up to 3
points) and
(iii) The extent to which the specific nature and magnitude of gaps
or challenges are identified and the extent to which these gaps or
challenges will be addressed by the services, supports, infrastructure,
or opportunities described in the proposed project (up to 3 points).
(b) Quality of the project design. (up to 30 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers:
(i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified, measurable, and
ambitious yet achievable within the project period, and aligned with
the purposes of the grant program (up to 8 points);
(ii) The quality of the logic model or other conceptual framework
underlying the proposed project, including how inputs are related to
outcomes (up to 8 points);
(iii) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of
perspectives, including those from underserved populations, are brought
to bear in the design, implementation, operation, evaluation, and
improvement of the proposed project, including those of parents,
educators, community-based organizations, civil rights organizations,
the business community, a variety of disciplinary and professional
fields, recipients or beneficiaries of services, or others, as
appropriate (up to 7 points); and
(iv) The likelihood that the proposed project will result in
systemic change that supports continuous, sustainable, and measurable
improvement (up to 7 points).
(c) Adequacy of resources. (up to 15 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the
proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed
project, the Secretary considers:
(i) The adequacy of support for the project, including facilities,
equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant or the
lead applicant organization (up to 5 points);
(ii) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project
(up to 5 points); and
(iii) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the
proposed project and the costs are reasonable in relation to the
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project
(up to 5 points).
(d) Quality of project personnel. (up to 20 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will
carry out the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it has
project personnel or a plan for hiring of personnel who are members of
groups that have historically encountered barriers, or who have
professional or personal experiences with barriers, based on one or
more of the following: economic disadvantage; disability; living in a
rural location; experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity (up to
5 points).
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers:
(i) The extent to which the project director or principal
investigator, when hired, has the qualifications required for the
project, including formal training or work experience in fields related
to the objectives of the project and experience in designing, managing,
or implementing similar projects for the target population to be served
by the project (up to 5 points);
(ii) The extent to which the key personnel in the project, when
hired, have the qualifications required for the proposed project,
including formal training or work experience in fields related to the
objectives of the project, and represent or have lived experiences of
the target population (up to 5 points); and
(iii) The extent to which the time commitments of the project
director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are
appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project
(up to 5 points).
(e) Quality of the project evaluation. (up to 25 points)
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be
conducted of the proposed project.
(2) In determining the quality of the project evaluation, the
Secretary considers:
(i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation or other
evidence-building include the use of objective performance measures
that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and
will produce quality data that are quantitative and qualitative (up to
10 points);
(ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation or other
evidence-building will provide performance feedback and provide
formative, diagnostic, or interim data that is a periodic assessment of
progress toward achieving intended outcomes (up to 10 points); and
(iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include an
experimental study, a quasi-experimental design study, or a
correlational study with statistical controls for selection bias (such
as regression methods to account for differences between a treatment
group and a comparison group) to assess the effectiveness of the
project on relevant outcomes (up to 5 points).
Note: For the selection criterion ``Quality of personnel'' in
paragraph (d), applicants are encouraged to include in their
application that they are committed to paying their staff a living
wage for the local area and providing benefits.
2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition,
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project
[[Page 91721]]
objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may
also consider whether the applicant failed to submit a timely
performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary
requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal civil
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
As required by 20 U.S.C. 1070a-23(d), a panel of non-Federal
reviewers will review each application for this competition in
accordance with the procedures described in 34 CFR 75.217. The
individual scores of the reviewers will be added and the sum divided by
the number of reviewers to determine the peer review score received in
the review process.
If there are insufficient funds for all applications with the same
total scores, the Secretary will select among tied applications
according to the following procedures. The first tiebreaker criterion
will be to select for funding the tied applicant(s) representing the
State(s) that has gone longest since being funded under the GEAR UP
State program. The second tiebreaker will be to fund, from the States
tied after implementing the first tiebreaker, the States with the
highest percentage of individuals living in poverty based on Small Area
Income and Poverty Estimates Program (SAIPE) data (age range 5-17) or
decennial census data, as appropriate.
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.206, before awarding grants under this competition the Department
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR
200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, under 2 CFR
3474.10, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant
if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not
responsible.
4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that
is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as
the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
Please note that, if the total value of your currently active
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2
CFR part 200, appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award
Notification (GAN), or we may send you an email containing a link to
access an electronic version of your GAN. We also may notify you
informally.
If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding,
we notify you.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify
administrative and national policy requirements in the application
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable
Regulations section of this notice.
We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding
commitments under the grant.
3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works.
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables.
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional
information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR
3474.20.
4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition,
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170
should you receive funding under the competition. See the standards in
2 CFR 170.105 to determine whether you are covered by 2 CFR part 170.
(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual
performance report that provides the most current performance and
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting,
please go to <a href="http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html">www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html</a>.
(c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In
this case, the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
5. Performance Measures: The performance measures for the GEAR UP
Program are established for purposes of Department reporting under 34
CFR 75.110. The objectives of the GEAR UP program are (1) to increase
the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of
participating students; (2) to increase the rate of high school
graduation and participation in postsecondary education of
participating students; and (3) to increase education expectations for
participating students and increase student and family knowledge of
postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
The effectiveness of this program depends on the rate at which
program participants complete high school and enroll in and complete a
postsecondary education. We developed the following performance
measures to track progress toward achieving the program's goals:
1. The percentage of GEAR UP students who pass Algebra 1 or its
equivalent by the end of ninth grade.
2. The percentage of GEAR UP students who graduate from high
school.
[[Page 91722]]
3. The percentage of GEAR UP students who complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid.
4. The percentage of GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP students
who are enrolled at an IHE.
5. The percentage of current GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP
students who enrolled at an IHE and persisted to the second year of
postsecondary education at the initial or a subsequent IHE.
In addition, to assess the efficiency of the program, we track the
average cost, in Federal funds, of achieving a successful outcome,
where success is defined as enrollment in a program of undergraduate
instruction at an IHE of GEAR UP students immediately after high school
graduation. These performance measures constitute GEAR UP's indicators
of the success of the program. Accordingly, we require that applicants
include these performance measures in conceptualizing the design,
implementation, and evaluation of their proposed projects.
6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, whether
the grantee has made substantial progress in achieving the performance
targets in the grantee's approved application.
In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
VII. Other Information
Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities
can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an
accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print,
audiotape, compact disc, or other accessible format.
Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of
Federal Regulations at <a href="http://www.govinfo.gov">www.govinfo.gov</a>. At this site you can view this
document, as well as all other Department documents published in the
Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the
site.
You may also access Department documents published in the Federal
Register by using the article search feature at
<a href="http://www.federalregister.gov">www.federalregister.gov</a>. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Nasser H. Paydar,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2024-27055 Filed 11-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.