Projects ensuring that eligible students are provided opportunities for research or other scholarly activities which effectively prepare them for doctoral study, including summer internships and seminars, have been developed.
Also, projects which provide tutoring, academic counseling, and activities designed to assist eligible participants in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs have been established.
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
In FY 2008 the program supports 181 projects serving nearly 5,000 students.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used by the participating institution to provide eligible participants with services such as: opportunities for research and other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars; tutoring; academic counseling; securing admission and financial assistance for graduate study; mentoring and exposure to cultural events.
At least two-thirds of the project participants must be low-income individuals who are first-generation college students.
The remaining participants must be from a group that is underrepresented in graduate education.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Institutions of higher education or combinations of institutions of higher education may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Low-income first generation college students or students from groups underrepresented in graduate education that are enrolled in a degree program at an eligible institution of higher education will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with Education Department General Administrative Regulations and the program regulations, Section 647 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 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 legislation, regulations, applications, and timetables issued by the Secretary of Education. No State plan is required. Requests for applications should be made to the Federal TRIO Program. This program is subject to the provisions of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.
Award Procedures
Nonfederal field readers evaluate new proposals on the basis of the selection criteria specified in the program regulations, 647.21. Grants are awarded by the 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 402E, as amended, 106 Stat. 448, 20 U.S.C. 1070a-15.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately 90 to 180 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Continuation awards for up to five years are approved on an annual basis, 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
Four to 5-year projects, subject to the availability of funds.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Performance reports are submitted on an annual basis.
Audits
In accordance with Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 61, 74, 75, and 702.
Records
In accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 75, 730, 75.731, and 75.732 and 647.32 of the program regulations.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0201-0-1-502.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $45,604,173; FY 08 est $43,900,000; and FY 09 est $43,636,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In FY 2008, the average project award is expected to be approximately $240,000. The minimum grant awrd is $220,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
34 CFR 647 and Education Department General Administrative Regulations.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of Education, Federal TRIO Programs, Office of Postsecondary Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-5249. Contact: Virginia Pinkney. E-mail: trio@ed.gov; Telephone: (202) 502-7735.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
For new awards, the Department will select applicants under the criteria that were set forth in 647.21 of the program regulations. Final program regulations were published on August 25, 1994. Contact the program office for additional information.
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