TRIO_Educational Opportunity Centers

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Program Accomplishments

The program support 125 projects serving approximately 196,000 students in 2008.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds are awarded to institutions of higher education or agencies for 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 tutoring and counseling for project participants who are not enrolled in an Upward Bound or a Student Support Services project.

A grantee may not use the center as a part of its recruitment program.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Institutions of higher education, public and private not-for-profit agencies and organizations, a combination of the above and, in exceptional cases, secondary schools may apply.

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.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

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 excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.

A-102.

Application Procedures

Develop a proposal in accordance with regulations, applications, and timetables issued by the Secretary of Education. No State plan is required. Requests for program applications should be made to the Federal TR10 Programs, College and University Preparation and Support Team. This program is subject to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR).

Award Procedures

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.

Deadlines

Deadlines are published in the Federal Register.

Authorization

Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Section 402F, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1070a-16.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 90 to 180 days.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Continuation awards for up to five years approved annually. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

For or five-year projects, annual awards. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Performance reports are required on an annual basis.

Audits

In accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR 75.702 and 74.61.

Records

In accordance with 34 CFR 75.730, 75.731, and 75.732.

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0201-0-1-502.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $47,006,891; FY 08 est $47,100,000; and FY 09 est $47,057,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

The estimated average 2008 award is $377,000. The minimum grant award is $220,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

EDGAR and regulation 34 CFR 644.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Federal TRIO Programs, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Margaret Wingfield, E-mail: ope.trio@ed.gov; Telephone (202) 502-7547.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

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