Assistance Listings

TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers

Objectives

To provide information on financial and academic assistance available for qualified adults desiring to pursue a program of postsecondary education and to assist them in applying for admission to institutions of postsecondary education.

Examples of Funded Projects

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Varies by competition.

Accomplishments

Account Identification

91-0201-0-1-502

Types of Assistance

B - Project Grants

Credentials and Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). OMB Circular A-21 applies. OMB Circular A-122 applies. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Applicant Eligibility

Institutions of Higher Education, 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

Persons residing in the target area who need one or more of the services provided by the project in order to pursue a program of postsecondary education and who desire to pursue or who are pursuing a program of postsecondary education. Two-thirds of the participants must be low-income individuals who are also potential first-generation college students. Project participants must be at least nineteen years old (exceptions allowed). Required low-income criteria for participants are stated in application materials.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Five-year projects, annual awards. Continuation awards are subject to the availability of funds and evidence that the grantee is making satisfactory progress. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Electronic transfer.

Use of Assistance

Funds are awarded to institutions of higher education, public and private agencies and organizations, and combinations of such entities for the establishment and operation of centers to collect and disseminate information concerning financial aid and academic programs available to participants seeking to pursue postsecondary education and to assist participants in preparing admission and financial aid applications. Centers may also provide, to secondary school dropouts, guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to an alternative education program. Centers may also provide tutoring, mentoring, and counseling services. A grantee may not use the center as a part of its recruitment program.

Deadlines

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program.

Develop a proposal in accordance with regulations, applications, and timetables issued by the Secretary of Education. No State plan is required. This program is subject to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR).

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

For new awards the Selection Criteria in 34 CFR 644.21 and 644.22 are considered. Contact the program office for additional information.

Award Procedure

Selected non-Federal field readers evaluate new proposals based on the selection criteria established in program regulations 34 CFR 644.21 and 34 CFR 644.22. Grantees will be selected on the basis of satisfactory proposals and availability of funds. Grants are awarded through Federal TRIO Programs office.

Date Range for Approval/Disapproval

From 90 to 180 days.

Renewals

Awards are for five years. Continuation awards are approved on an annual basis, subject to the availability of funds and evidence that the grantee is meeting the conditions of the grant and making substantial progress towards meeting the project objectives.

Appeals

The program statute requires a second review of unsuccessful applications. The Department implements the second review process in accordance with the process specified in 34 CFR 644.24. An unsuccessful applicant requesting a second review must provide evidence that the Department, an agent of the Department, or a peer reviewer made a technical, administrative, or scoring error in the processing or review of its application.

Policy Requirements

Reports

Audits

Records

In accordance with Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 75.730, 75.731, and 75.732.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

EDGAR and regulation 34 CFR 644. New regulations are under development. Contact the program office for additional details.

Formula and Matching Requirements

Regional or Local Locations:

Headquarters Office: