for Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Talent Search Program Assistance Listing Number 84.044A | ED GRANTS 122820 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 122820 001

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), offered a discretionary grant competition for the Talent Search Program under Assistance Listing (CFDA) Number 84.044A. This opportunity was published as a synopsis of the official Federal Register application notice, meaning the controlling requirements, priorities, and application rules are the ones in the Federal Register notice itself. Applicants were directed to use the Department of Education "Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs" (published February 13, 2019, 84 FR 3768) for guidance on how to obtain and submit applications, along with other governmentwide procedural requirements such as intergovernmental review timelines.

The central purpose of the Talent Search Program is to identify individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who show potential to succeed in postsecondary education and to actively encourage and support them in completing secondary school and continuing on to college or other postsecondary training. The program is designed both for students who are currently in school and for people who have not completed secondary or postsecondary programs and may need support to enter or reenter education and finish a credential. In practice, Talent Search projects are expected to do outreach and guidance work that helps participants stay on track academically, understand postsecondary options, and navigate the transition into higher education.

A key element of the program emphasis is improving access to financial aid information and application assistance. The notice highlights that Talent Search projects should publicize the availability of student financial assistance and facilitate the application process for people seeking postsecondary education. This reflects a core barrier for many low-income or first-generation students: even when college is academically feasible, the complexity of financial aid and admissions processes can prevent enrollment or persistence. Talent Search projects therefore commonly focus on practical supports such as helping participants understand funding options, complete required forms, and make informed decisions about postsecondary pathways.

This grant competition (Funding Opportunity Number ED GRANTS 122820 001) was categorized as an education-related discretionary grant. The Department anticipated making a large number of awards, listing an expected 473 awards, with an award ceiling of $277,375 (as stated in the opportunity data). Applications became available on December 28, 2020, with a deadline to transmit applications of February 26, 2021. The deadline for intergovernmental review was April 27, 2021, which is relevant for applicants in jurisdictions that participate in those coordination processes.

Eligibility was broad and included a range of public and private entities that commonly operate education access programs. Eligible applicants included state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status; nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education); and certain other entities as clarified in the official notice. This structure is consistent with the program's on-the-ground service model, which can be administered by schools, colleges, community-based organizations, and governmental entities depending on local capacity and partnerships.

For program-specific requirements such as mandatory project components, competitive priorities, performance measures, and detailed submission instructions, the opportunity summary instructs applicants to rely on the official Federal Register notice rather than the synopsis. The listed federal point of contact for the competition was Antoinette Clark Edwards at the U.S. Department of Education, with an office location at 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4260, telephone (202) 453-7121, and email Antoinette.Edwards@ed.gov.

• The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "for Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Talent Search Program Assistance Listing Number 84.044A" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.044.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 28, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 26, 2021 Applications Available December 28, 2020. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications February 26, 2021. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review April 27, 2021.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Antoinette Clark Edwards, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 2C223, Washington, DC 20202-4260. Telephone (202) 453-7121. Email Antoinette.Edwards@ed.gov.. (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 $277,375.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 473 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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