FY 2023

TRANSITIONING GANG-INVOLVED YOUTH TO HIGHER EDUCATION 

PRE-APPLICATION WEBINAR

• JYMECE SEWARD, PROGRAM LEAD & COMPETITION MANAGER

• DR. STACY SLIJEPCEVIC, HSI DIVISION DIRECTOR

• BEATRIZ CEJA–WILLIAMS, SENIOR DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE

• DATES: JUNE 1ST AT 2 PM ET, JUNE 14TH AT 2 PM ET, AND JUNE 28TH AT 2 PM ET
AGENDA

 WELCOME 

PROGRAM PURPOSE

FY 2023 COMPETITION AT A GLANCE

ELIGIBILITY

PRIORITIES

SELECTION CRITERIA

THE LOGIC MODEL 

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

UNDERSTANDING INDIRECT COSTS

BUDGET TIPS

PLANNING YOUR GRANT APPLICATION

APPLICATION REVIEW & SUBMISSION PROCESS

SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

CALL FOR PEER REVIEWERS

 QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

RESOURCES AND PROGRAM CONTACTS
DISCLAIMER

THE NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL 

REGISTER IS THE OFFICIAL APPLICATION 

SUBMISSION GUIDE . THIS WEBINAR 

PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ONLY. 
GENERAL INFORMATION 

• THE NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS (NIA) WAS PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL 

REGISTER ON MAY 17 , 2023 AND CLOSES ON JULY 17, 2023, AT 11:59 PM, ET.

• THE APPLICATION PACKAGE CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM GRANTS.GOV UNDER 

THE FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: ED-GRANTS-051823-001.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) WILL BE POSTED ON THE TGIY PROGRAM 

PAGE FOLLOWING THIS WEBINAR AND UPDATED ON A CONTINUAL BASIS.
PROGRAM PURPOSE

• THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE A FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR 

ORGANIZATIONS THAT WORK DIRECTLY WITH GANG-INVOLVED YOUTH TO HELP 

SUCH YOUTH PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL LEAD TO 

CERTIFICATION OR CREDENTIALS. 

• SUCH PROGRAMS CAN INCLUDE APPRENTICESHIPS OR OTHER WORKFORCE 

PREPARATION PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE JOB READINESS UPON COMPLETION OF 

THE PROGRAM, WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY PROVIDING ESSENTIAL WRAP AROUND 

SERVICES THAT INCLUDE CULTURALLY COMPETENT SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL 

SUPPORT. 
FY 2023 COMPETITION AT A GLANCE

• APPLICATION AVAILABLE: MAY 18, 2023

• APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 17, 2023, AT 11:59PM ET

• ESTIMATED AVAILABLE FUNDS: $4,950,000

• MAXIMUM AWARD: $990,000 

• PROJECT PERIOD: 36 MONTHS

• ESTIMATED NUMBER OF AWARDS: 5

• ALL FUNDED AWARDS WILL BE FRONTLOADED

• PRIORITIES

• 1 ABSOLUTE PRIORITY (REQUIRED)

• 2 COMPETITIVE PREFERENCE PRIORITIES (OPTIONAL)

• 2 INVITATIONAL PRIORITIES (OPTIONAL)

• THIS PROGRAM USES AN UNRESTRICTED INDIRECT COST RATE . 

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING INDIRECT COSTS, OR TO 

OBTAIN A NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE, PLEASE SEE 

HTTPS://WWW.2.ED.GOV/ABOUT/OFFICES/LIST/OCFO/INTRO.HTML

• BUDGETS MAY NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNT
ELIGIBILITY

• ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS ARE INSTITUTIONS OF 

HIGHER EDUCATION (IHES) AS DEFINED IN 

SECTION 101 OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 

1965 , AS AMENDED (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1001), THAT 

ARE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE IHES

• PUBLIC AND PRIVATE NONPROFIT 

ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES THAT PARTNER 

WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. 

7
ABSOLUTE PRIORITY

INCREASING POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION ACCESS, AFFORDABILITY, COMPLETION, AND 

POST-ENROLLMENT SUCCESS. 

• PROJECTS THAT ARE DESIGNED TO INCREASE POSTSECONDARY ACCESS, AFFORDABILITY, COMPLETION, AND 

SUCCESS FOR UNDERSERVED STUDENTS BY ADDRESSING ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING PRIORITY AREAS:

• A) INCREASING THE NUMBER AND PROPORTION OF UNDERSERVED STUDENTS WHO ENROLL IN AND COMPLETE POSTSECONDARY 

EDUCATION PROGRAMS, WHICH MAY INCLUDE STRATEGIES RELATED TO COLLEGE PREPARATION, AWARENESS, APPLICATION, 

SELECTION, ADVISING, COUNSELING, AND ENROLLMENT

• B) SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS THAT INTEGRATE MULTIPLE 

COMPREHENSIVE AND EVIDENCE-BASED SERVICES OR ENTITIES, SUCH AS ACADEMIC ADVISING, STRUCTURED/GUIDED PATHWAYS, 

CAREER SERVICES, CREDIT-BEARING ACADEMIC UNDERGRADUATE COURSES FOCUSED ON CAREER, AND PROGRAMS TO MEET 

BASIC NEEDS, SUCH AS HOUSING, CHILDCARE AND TRANSPORTATION, STUDENT FINANCIAL AID, AND ACCESS TO 

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES.

• C) INCREASING THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO RETURN TO THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND OBTAIN REGULAR HIGH SCHOOL 

DIPLOMA, OR ITS RECOGNIZED EQUIVALENT FOR ADULT LEARNERS; ENROLL IN AND COMPLETE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, COLLEGE, 

OR CAREER AND TECHNICAL SHARED WORK, INCLUDING DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES AND THE COMBINED EXPERTISE OF ACADEMIC 

PARTNERS AND COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE. 
COMPETITIVE PREFERENCE PRIORITIES

• COMPETITIVE PREFERENCE PRIORITY 1 -

MEETING STUDENT SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, 

AND ACADEMIC NEEDS (UP TO 10 POINTS)

• CREATING A POSITIVE, INCLUSIVE, AND 

IDENTITY SAFE CLIMATE AT INSTITUTIONS OF 

HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH ONE OR 

MORE OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:

• FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING AND 

INCLUSION FOR UNDERSERVED STUDENTS 

• IMPLEMENTING EVIDENCE-BASED 

PRACTICES FOR ADVANCING STUDENT 

SUCCESS FOR UNDERSERVED STUDENTS 

• PROVIDING EVIDENCE-BASED 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

OPPORTUNITIES DESIGNED TO BUILD 

ASSET-BASED MINDSETS FOR FACULTY AND 

STAFF 

• COMPETITIVE PREFERENCE PRIORITY 2 -

STRENGTHENING CROSS-AGENCY 

COORDINATION AND COMMUNITY 

ENGAGEMENT TO ADVANCE SYSTEMIC 

CHANGE (UP TO 10 POINTS)

• PROJECTS DESIGNED TO TAKE A SYSTEMIC 

EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO IMPROVING 

OUTCOMES FOR UNDERSERVED STUDENTS BY 

COORDINATING EFFORTS WITH FEDERAL, 

STATE, OR LOCAL AGENCIES, OR COMMUNITYBASED ORGANIZATIONS, THAT SUPPORT 

STUDENTS, TO ADDRESS ONE OR BOTH OF 

THE FOLLOWING: 

• JUSTICE POLICY

• COLLEGE READINESS
INVITATIONAL PRIORITIES (OPTIONAL)

• ORGANIZATIONS WITH A DEMONSTRATED 

RECORD OF HELPING GANG-INVOLVED YOUTH 

ACCESS POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION 

• PROJECTS PROPOSED BY ENTITIES WITH PRIOR 

EXPERIENCE WORKING DIRECTLY WITH GANGINVOLVED YOUTH TO HELP SUCH YOUTH PURSUE 

HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

• GANG-INVOLVED YOUTH MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL 

BETWEEN THE AGES 14 AND 24 WHO MAY 

PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES OF A VIOLENT GANG 

OR WHO MAY FACE AN INCREASED RISK OF 

GANG EXPOSURE DUE TO PROXIMITY TO 

COMMUNITIES WITH GANG ACTIVITY AND/OR 

GANG RELATED CONDITIONS OR OTHER RISK 

FACTORS.

• PROMOTING EQUITY AND STUDENT ACCESS TO 

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND 

OPPORTUNITIES 

• PROJECTS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE 

EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AND ADEQUACY AND 

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITY FOR GANGINVOLVED YOUTH
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

Selection Criteria Maximum Points

Quality of the Project Design 20

Quality of Project Services 20

Significance 20

Quality of Project Personnel 20

Quality of the Management Plan 10

Quality of the Project Evaluation 10

Total Maximum Score for Selection Criteria 100

Competitive Preference Priorities 20

Total Possible Score Per Application 120
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

• THE SELECTION CRITERIA ARE THE CRITERIA AGAINST 

WHICH THE PEER REVIEWERS EVALUATE AND SCORE EACH 

APPLICATION.

• THE DEPARTMENT SELECTS GRANTEES BASED ON PEER 

REVIEWER SCORES, SO CLEARLY ADDRESSING THE 

SELECTION CRITERIA IS CRITICAL. 

• RESPOND TO EACH SELECTION CRITERIA AND EACH SUBCRITERIA IN THE APPROPRIATE SECTION. 

• THE PROJECT NARRATIVE SHOULD BE ORGANIZED IN 

LABELED SECTIONS THAT CORRESPOND TO AND FOLLOW 

THE ORDER OF THE SELECTION CRITERIA. 

• THE MAXIMUM TOTAL SCORE THAT ANY APPLICANT MAY 

RECEIVE ON THE SELECTION CRITERIA IS 100 POINTS. 

• REMEMBER YOU CAN ALSO RESPOND TO THE CPPS IN YOUR 

APPLICATION FOR UP TO A TOTAL OF 20 ADDITIONAL 

POINTS, ALTHOUGH NOT REQUIRED. 

• THE TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE PER APPLICATION IS 120 

POINTS. 
SELECTION 

CRITERIA 

A. QUALITY OF THE PROJECT DESIGN (MAXIMUM 20 POINTS)

THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE QUALITY OF THE DESIGN OF THE 

PROPOSED PROJECT. IN DETERMINING THE QUALITY OF THE 

DESIGN OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT, THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS 

THE FOLLOWING FACTORS: 

i. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE DESIGN OF THE PROPOSED 

PROJECT DEMONSTRATES A RATIONALE. (UP TO 5 

POINTS) 

ii. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE DESIGN OF THE PROPOSED 

PROJECT IS APPROPRIATE TO, AND WILL SUCCESSFULLY 

ADDRESS, THE NEEDS OF THE TARGET POPULATION OR 

OTHER IDENTIFIED NEEDS. (UP TO 10 POINTS)

iii. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE PROPOSED PROJECT WILL 

ESTABLISH LINKAGES WITH OTHER APPROPRIATE 

AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING SERVICES 

TO THE TARGET POPULATION. (UP TO 5 POINTS)
QUESTIONS 

TO 

CONSIDERPROJECT 

DESIGN

• WHAT ARE THE ISSUES THE PROPOSAL IS ATTEMPTING TO ADDRESS?

• HOW DOES THE PROPOSED PROJECT EXPAND OR STRENGTHEN THE 

INSTITUTION’S CAPACITY AND ABILITY TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF 

THE TARGET POPULATION? 

• DOES THE APPLICATION IDENTIFY CLEAR GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND 

OUTCOMES TO BE ACHIEVED BY THE PROJECT? HOW DO THE 

OBJECTIVES RELATE TO THE PROJECT GOALS AND ANTICIPATED 

OUTCOMES ? ARE THEY MEASURABLE? 

• HOW WILL THE PROJECT CONTINUE AFTER THE GRANT? 

• IF THE PROJECT IS SUCCESSFUL, WHAT IMPROVEMENTS OR SYSTEMIC 

CHANGES ARE EXPECTED?

• HOW DO THE ISSUES, NEEDS, AND PROPOSED ACTIVITIES RELATE TO 

THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM AND THE TARGETED POPULATION?

• HOW WILL YOU USE DATA TO ENGAGE IN CONTINUOUS 

IMPROVEMENT? 

• HOW WILL THE APPLICANT ADDRESS THE PRIORITIES? 

• HOW WOULD THE PROJECT BE PRESENTED USING A LOGIC MODEL?
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

B. QUALITY OF PROJECT SERVICES (MAXIMUM OF 20 POINTS)

1. THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICES TO BE 

PROVIDED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT. IN DETERMINING THE 

QUALITY OF THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE PROPOSED 

PROJECT, THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE QUALITY AND 

SUFFICIENCY OF STRATEGIES FOR ENSURING EQUAL ACCESS AND 

TREATMENT FOR ELIGIBLE PROJECT PARTICIPANTS WHO ARE 

MEMBERS OF GROUPS THAT HAVE TRADITIONALLY BEEN 

UNDERREPRESENTED BASED ON RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, 

GENDER, AGE, OR DISABILITY. (UP TO 5 POINTS)

2. IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE FOLLOWING 

FACTORS: 

i. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE 

PROPOSED PROJECT ARE APPROPRIATE TO THE NEEDS OF THE 

INTENDED RECIPIENTS OR BENEFICIARIES OF THESE SERVICES. 

(UP TO 5 POINTS)

ii. THE LIKELY IMPACT OF THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE 

PROPOSED PROJECT ON THE INTENDED RECIPIENTS OF THOSE 

SERVICES. (UP TO 5 POINTS)

iii. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE 

PROPOSED PROJECT INVOLVE THE COLLABORATION OF 

APPROPRIATE PARTNERS FOR MAXIMIZING THE EFFECTIVENESS 

OF PROJECT SERVICES. (UP TO 5 POINTS)

15
QUESTIONS 

TO 

CONSIDER –

PROJECT 

SERVICES

• WHAT ARE THE SERVICES AND WHAT IS THE INTENDED 

OUTCOME/IMPACT OF THOSE SERVICES?

• TO WHAT EXTENT ARE SERVICES SUFFICIENT TO ADDRESS THE 

UNIQUE NEEDS OF THE TARGET POPULATION?

• IS THE INSTITUTION CONSIDERING NEW AND PROVEN SERVICE 

MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE GOALS OF THE 

PROPOSED SERVICES/PROJECT ARE ACHIEVED?

• WHAT GAINS ARE EXPECTED AS A RESULT OF THE PROPOSED 

SERVICES/PROJECT?

16
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

C. SIGNIFICANCE (MAXIMUM 20 POINTS)

1. THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 

PROPOSED PROJECT. IN DETERMINING THE SIGNIFICANCE 

OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT, THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS 

THE FOLLOWING FACTORS: 

i. THE POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE PROPOSED 

PROJECT TO INCREASED KNOWLEDGE OR 

UNDERSTANDING OF EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS, ISSUES, 

OR EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES. (UP TO 10 POINTS)

ii. THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE PROPOSED PROJECT WILL 

RESULT IN SYSTEM CHANGE OR IMPROVEMENT. (UP TO 

10 POINTS)

17
QUESTIONS TO 

CONSIDER –

SIGNIFICANCE

• HOW WILL THE PROJECT HELP THE GRANTEE BUILD UPON 

EXISTING EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES IN THE FIELD? 

• HOW WILL THE PROJECT HAVE AN IMPACT BEYOND THE 

GRANTEE OR THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES? 

• WHAT MECHANISM WILL THE PROJECT DESIGN TO LEVERAGE 

SUCCESSES AND LESSONS LEARNED TO SIMILAR 

ORGANIZATIONS OR TARGET POPULATIONS? 

18
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

D. QUALITY OF PROJECT PERSONNEL (MAXIMUM 20 POINTS)

1. THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE QUALITY OF THE PERSONNEL 

WHO WILL CARRY OUT THE PROPOSED PROJECT. IN 

DETERMINING THE QUALITY OF PROJECT PERSONNEL, THE 

SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE 

APPLICANT ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT 

FROM PERSONS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF GROUPS THAT HAVE 

TRADITIONALLY BEEN UNDERREPRESENTED BASED ON RACE, 

COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR DISABILITY. (UP 

TO 8 POINTS)

2. IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE FOLLOWING 

FACTORS:

i. THE QUALIFICATIONS, INCLUDING RELEVANT TRAINING AND 

EXPERIENCE, OF THE PROJECT DIRECTOR OR PRINCIPAL 

INVESTIGATOR. (UP TO 6 POINTS) 

ii. THE QUALIFICATIONS, INCLUDING RELEVANT TRAINING AND 

EXPERIENCE, OF KEY PERSONNEL. (UP TO 6 POINTS)

19
QUESTIONS 

TO 

CONSIDER –

PROJECT 

PERSONNEL

• DOES THE PROPOSED PROJECT DIRECTOR HAVE EXPERIENCE 

OR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE WORKING WITH THE TARGET 

POPULATION?

• HOW WILL THE PROJECT ENSURE EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN 

HIRING?

• DOES THE PROJECT DIRECTOR HAVE EXPERIENCE OR 

TRAINING MANAGING SIMILAR PROJECTS AND 

COLLABORATING WITH MULTIPLE PARTNERS?

• DO THE PROPOSED KEY PERSONNEL HAVE RELEVANT 

EXPERIENCE OR TRAINING WORKING WITH THE TARGET 

POPULATION OR PROVIDING SERVICES IN SIMILAR PROGRAMS 

OR PROJECTS?

20
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

E. QUALITY OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN (MAXIMUM 10 POINTS)

1. THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE QUALITY OF THE MANAGEMENT 

PLAN FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT. IN DETERMINING THE QUALITY 

OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN, THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE 

FOLLOWING FACTORS: 

i. THE ADEQUACY OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN TO ACHIEVE THE 

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ON TIME AND 

WITHIN BUDGET, INCLUDING CLEARLY DEFINED 

RESPONSIBILITIES, TIMELINES, AND MILESTONES FOR 

ACCOMPLISHING PROJECT TASKS. (UP TO 5 POINTS)

ii. HOW THE APPLICANT WILL ENSURE THAT A DIVERSITY OF 

PERSPECTIVES ARE BROUGHT TO BEAR IN THE OPERATION OF 

THE PROPOSED PROJECT, INCLUDING THOSE OF PARENTS, 

TEACHERS, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, A VARIETY OF 

DISCIPLINARY IN PROFESSIONAL FIELDS, RECIPIENTS OR 

BENEFICIARIES OF SERVICES, OR OTHERS, AS APPROPRIATE. 

(UP TO 5 POINTS) 

21
QUESTIONS TO 

CONSIDER –

MANAGEMENT 

PLAN

• HOW WILL THE PROPOSED PROJECT BE MANAGED AND WHO 

WILL MANAGE THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS?

• WHAT IS THE PLAN TO ENSURE PROPER AND EFFICIENT 

MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT, INCLUDING METHODS OF 

COORDINATION ACROSS ORGANIZATIONAL UNITS, PARTNERS, 

STAKEHOLDERS, ETC.? 

• WILL THE MANAGEMENT PLAN ENABLE THE INSTITUTION TO 

ACHIEVE THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSED 

PROJECT ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET , INCLUDING CLEARLY 

DEFINED RESPONSIBILITIES, TIMELINES, AND MILESTONES FOR 

ACCOMPLISHING PROJECT TASKS? 

22
SELECTION 

CRITERIA

F. QUALITY OF THE PROJECT EVALUATION (MAXIMUM 10 POINTS)

1.THE SECRETARY CONSIDERS THE QUALITY OF THE 

EVALUATION TO BE CONDUCTED OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT. IN 

DETERMINING THE QUALITY OF THE EVALUATION, THE SECRETARY 

CONSIDERS THE FOLLOWING FACTORS: 

i. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND 

OUTCOMES TO BE ACHIEVED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT ARE 

CLEARLY SPECIFIED AND MEASURABLE. (UP TO 5 POINTS)

ii. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE METHODS OF EVALUATION ARE 

THOROUGH, FEASIBLE, AND APPROPRIATE TO THE GOALS, 

OBJECTIVES, AND OUTCOMES OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT. 

(UP TO 5 POINTS)

23
QUESTIONS 

TO 

CONSIDER –

PROJECT 

EVALUATION

• WHAT METRICS WILL BE USED TO MEASURE PROGRESS AND 

ARE THEY CLEARLY ALIGNED TO THE GOALS OF THE PROJECT?

• DOES THE APPLICATION INCLUDE METHODS OF EVALUATION 

FOR EXAMINING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROJECT? 

• HOW WILL YOU DETERMINE THAT THE METHODS OF 

EVALUATION ARE THOROUGH, FEASIBLE, AND APPROPRIATE 

TO THE GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND OUTCOMES OF THE 

PROJECT? 

• ARE OBJECTIVES CLEAR AND MEASURABLE?

• HOW WILL THE EVALUATION BE USED TO INFORM 

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT? 

24
ADDRESSING THE PROJECT DESIGN: 

DEMONSTRATES A RATIONALE & 

THE LOGIC MODEL 
• RESOURCES: MATERIALS TO IMPLEMENT THE 

PROGRAM

• ACTIVITIES: STEPS FOR PROGRAM 

IMPLEMENTATION

• OUTPUTS: PRODUCTS OF THE PROGRAM

• IMPACTS ON OUTCOMES: CHANGES IN 

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS’ KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, 

OR BEHAVIOR

COMPONENTS OF A PROGRAM LOGIC MODEL
NOTE: THE FEDERAL REGISTER IS THE OFFICIAL APPLICATION SUBMISSION GUIDE. THIS WEBINAR PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ONLY.

SAMPLE 

LOGIC 

MODEL
REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY (REL)

RESOURCES ON LOGIC MODELS

• HSI DIVISION LOGIC MODEL WEBINAR – PART 1 (ENCORE): THEORY AND FUNDAMENTALS (MARCH 23, 2023), 

HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/SQ2_C_V_OJW

• LOGIC MODELS: A TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE PROGRAM PLANNING, COLLABORATION, AND MONITORING

HTTPS://IES.ED.GOV/NCEE/EDLABS/PROJECTS/PROJECT.ASP?PROJECTID=409

• LOGIC MODELS: A TOOL FOR DESIGNING AND MONITORING PROGRAM EVALUATIONS

HTTPS://IES.ED.GOV/NCEE/EDLABS/PROJECTS/PROJECT.ASP?PROJECTID=404

• LOGIC MODELS FOR PROGRAM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION: WORKSHOP TOOLKIT

HTTPS://IES.ED.GOV/NCEE/EDLABS/PROJECTS/PROJECT.ASP?PROJECTID=401

• EDUCATION LOGIC MODEL APPLICATION FOR CREATING LOGIC MODELS:

HTTPS://IES.ED.GOV/NCEE/EDLABS/REGIONS/PACIFIC/ELM.ASP

28
UNDERSTANDING 

INDIRECT COSTS 
INDIRECT COST 

• THIS PROGRAM USES AN UNRESTRICTED 

INDIRECT COST RATE. 

• FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING 

INDIRECT COSTS, PLEASE SEE:

HTTPS://WWW2.ED.GOV/ABOUT/OFFICES/LIST/O

CFO/INTRO.HTML OR CONTACT 

INDIRECTCOSTDIVISION@ED.GOV

• UNIFORM GUIDANCE

• 2 CFR 200 SUBPART E

• FAQS: HTTPS://WWW.CFO.GOV/WPCONTENT/UPLOADS/2014/11/2014-11-26-

FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS.PDF

• DEPARTMENTAL REGULATIONS

• EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GENERAL 

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS

• 34CFR 75.560 - 75.580

• 34 CFR 76.560 - 76.580
BUDGET TIPS 

• BUDGET SHOULD REFLECT THE SCALE AND SCOPE OF THE PROJECT. 

• BUDGETS MAY NOT EXCEED THE ESTIMATED RANGE OF $990,000.

• COMPLETE THE ED STANDARD FORM 524 AND PREPARE A DETAILED BUDGET NARRATIVE THAT 

INCLUDES THE COSTS AND JUSTIFICATION OF COSTS. 

• NO COST SHARE OR MATCHING REQUIREMENTS. 

• PLEASE SEE THE UNIFORM GUIDANCE FOR ALL ALLOWABLE COSTS/ACTIVITIES.

• THIS PROGRAM USES AN UNRESTRICTED INDIRECT COST RATE. 

• BUDGETS WILL BE EVALUATED BY PEER REVIEWERS FOR RELEVANCE AND APPROPRIATENESS. 

PROGRAM STAFF WILL ALSO REVIEW BUDGETS TO ENSURE THAT PROPOSED COSTS ARE 

JUSTIFIABLE, REASONABLE, AND ALLOWABLE. 
GPRA PERFORMANCE MEASURES

THE GPRA PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR THIS PROGRAM ARE:

1. NUMBER OF PROJECT PARTICIPANTS ENROLLED IN THE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION 

PROGRAM. 

2. NUMBER OF PROJECT PARTICIPANTS EARNING A CERTIFICATE, DEGREE, OR OTHER 

CREDENTIALS. 

3. NUMBER OF PROJECT PARTICIPANTS ACTIVE IN PAID INTERNSHIPS, APPRENTICESHIPS, OR 

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCES.

32
PLANNING 

YOUR GRANT 

APPLICATION

• IDENTIFY GOALS FOR YOUR PROPOSED PROJECT AND THEIR 

FOCUS ON THE PROJECT RECIPIENTS.

• ANALYZE EVERY PROPOSED ACTIVITY TO ENSURE THAT IT IS 

ATTAINABLE, MEANINGFUL, AND MEASURABLE.

• CHOOSE METRICS AND EVALUATION METHODS THAT WILL 

PROVIDE YOU WITH ROBUST FEEDBACK TO MAKE CONTINUOUS 

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PROJECT.

• BE REALISTIC AND STRAIGHTFORWARD ABOUT EVERY ASPECT OF 

YOUR PROJECT DESIGN.

• DESIGN ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES THAT ARE MANAGEABLE AND 

DIRECTLY ADDRESS YOUR IDENTIFIED CHALLENGES AND ISSUES.

• FORECAST AND CREATE AN IMPLEMENTATION AND 

MANAGEMENT PLAN THAT IS REALISTIC.
PLANNING 

YOUR GRANT 

APPLICATION

• USE ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION TO IDENTIFY CHALLENGES OR ISSUES. 

• DEDICATE ADEQUATE RESOURCES AND TIME TO DEVELOP YOUR 

FUNDING APPLICATION AND TO THE PROJECT, INCLUDING CLEARLY 

OUTLINING THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUR PARTNERS. 

• WORK TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY OF YOUR PROJECT. 

• KNOW YOUR BUDGET AND ENSURE THAT ALL COSTS ARE ALLOWABLE, 

ALLOCABLE, AND REASONABLE. 

• IDENTIFY GOALS OF YOUR PROPOSED PROJECT, ESPECIALLY HOW 

THEY WILL FOCUS ON POSITIVE STUDENT OUTCOMES. 

• ANALYZE EVERY PROPOSED ACTIVITY TO ENSURE THAT IT IS 

ATTAINABLE, MEANINGFUL, AND MEASURABLE. 

• CHOOSE METRICS AND EVALUATION METHODS THAT WILL PRODUCE 

EVIDENCE ABOUT THE PROJECTS EFFECTIVENESS. 

• USE THE IDENTIFIED PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO BUILD YOUR 

PROJECT ASSESSMENTS. 
PLANNING 

YOUR GRANT 

APPLICATION

• WE RECOMMEND A LIMIT OF NO MORE THAN 60 PAGES. THIS ONLY 

APPLIES TO THE APPLICATION NARRATIVE AND DOES NOT APPLY TO 

THE COVER SHEET, BUDGET SECTION AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION, 

ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS, ONE-PAGE ABSTRACT, 

RESUMES/CVS, BIBLIOGRAPHY, OR LETTERS OF SUPPORT. 

• WE RECOMMEND THAT IF YOU ARE ADDRESSING THE OPTIONAL 

PRIORITIES, INCLUDE NO MORE THAN 3 ADDITIONAL PAGES.

• DOUBLE SPACE ALL TEXT IN THE NARRATIVE, INCLUDING TITLES, 

HEADINGS, FOOTNOTES, QUOTATIONS, REFERENCES, AND CAPTIONS.

• USE A READABLE 12-POINT FONT (E.G., TIME NEW ROMAN, COURIER, 

OR ARIAL).
STRUCTURING 

YOUR GRANT 

APPLICATION

• WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND ORGANIZING YOUR APPLICATION 

ACCORDING TO THE SELECTION CRITERIA, SO THAT THE 

INFORMATION IS EASILY FOUND BY THE REVIEWERS.

• REMEMBER REVIEWERS WILL DETERMINE THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE 

APPLICANT MEETS THE CRITERION, SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE CLEAR 

AND CONCISE IN YOUR RESPONSES, AND THAT REVIEWERS DON’T 

HAVE TO SEARCH THROUGH YOUR APPLICATION TO FIND THE 

INFORMATION.

• ENSURE REVIEWERS KNOW EXACTLY WHICH CRITERIA YOU ARE 

RESPONDING TO.
REVIEW AND 

SELECTION PROCESS
REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

• Applications are screened to ensure that they meet all the requirements of the 

program.

• Peer reviewers have expertise in areas pertinent to the grant program.

• All reviewers are screened for conflicts of interest to ensure a fair and competitive 

review process.

• Reviewers will read and score applications for each selection criterion, the competitive 

preference priority, and invitational priority, if applicable.

• A rank order of all applications is developed based on the peer review score.
SUBMISSION 

INFORMATION
LOGISTICAL ADVICE

THE FEDERAL REGISTER IS THE OFFICIAL APPLICATION SUBMISSION GUIDE. 

THIS WEBINAR ONLY PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. 

• Register early: Grants.gov registration involves many steps including registration on SAM 

(www.sam.gov). Make sure you are properly registered, your profile is current, and you are 

applying to the correct grant opportunity number (ED-GRANTS-051823-001).

• Write clearly: Peer reviewers have only your writing to evaluate.

• Ensure that your IHE’s UEI number is up-to-date and active in SAM https://www.Sam.Gov/sam/.

• Submit Early: Do not wait until the last day to submit your application.

READ THE NIA. UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS. PLAN AHEAD.
SUBMITTING 

YOUR 

APPLICATION 

IN 

GRANTS.GOV

HTTPS://WWW.GRANTS.GOV/

• SEACH GRANTS FOR

• ALN 84.116Y or

• FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: ED-GRANTS-051803-001

• Youwill find allthe application information and instructions, including the NIA

and application booklet,which outlines the checklist and formsyou are 

required to complete.

• After submitting an application in Grants.gov, you cannot “un-submit” to 

correct an error or add any documents inadvertently omitted. If you 

discover changes or additions are needed after submitting your 

application, you must resubmit the entire application.

NOTE: If the Department receives a duplicate application, the 

Department will accept and process the application with the latest 

date/time received validation. 
SUBMITTING 

YOUR 

APPLICATION 

IN 

GRANTS.GOV

• Electronic submission required through grants.gov unless you have a 

waiver. The application uploading process is time consuming. Please 

submit your application early.

• Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace 

is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may 

simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an 

application.

• Workspace, Adobe Forms and PDF Files are required.

• For access to complete instructions on how to apply for 

opportunities, refer to: 

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspaceoverview.html.

• If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov, please contact 

Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or email at: 

support@grants.gov or access the Grants.gov Self-Service 

Knowledge Base web portal at: https://grantsportal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants. 
NAVIGATING 

GRANTS.GOV





APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Part I

 Application for Federal Assistance 

(SF 424)

 Department of Education Supplemental 

Information for SF 424

Part III

 EDAbstract Form

 Overview of how project meets 

priorities

 Project Narrative Form

 Optional “Table of Contents”

 Responses to selection criteria

 Other Attachments Form

 Curriculum Vitae (CV)

 Letters of commitment and support 

from all members of the consortium

 Bibliography

 GEPA Section 427 Form

Part II

 Budget Summary (ED Form 524)

 SectionsA & B

 Section C “Budget Narrative 

Attachment Form”

Part IV

 Assurances/Certifications

 Disclosure of Lobbying

Activities (SF- LLL)

 Grants.gov Lobbying

Form (ED-80- 0013)
Application Checklist: Part 1
Application Checklist: Part 2
Application Checklist: Part 2
Required Abstract - Clearly indicate:

• Applicant institution, or nonprofit organization or 

agency, and partner institutions

• Project title

• Proposed partners for the purpose of meeting the 

priorities

• Target Population (e.g., faculty, staff, students)

• Services and Proposed Activities

• Anticipated Results (e.g., learning outcomes) and 

citations

• Absolute Priorities Addressed: Yes or No; Briefly 

describe how they are addressed

• Competitive Preference Priority Addressed: Yes or 

No; Briefly describe how it is addressed and indicate 

the institution/s that the applicant is proposing to 

partner with for the purpose of meeting this priority.

• Invitational Priority or Priorities Addressed: Yes or 

No; Briefly describe how it is addressed

Application Checklist: Part 3
Application Checklist: Part 3

 Curriculum Vitae (CV)

 Letters of commitment and

support from all members of the

consortium

 Bibliography
CALL FOR PEER REVIEWERS

• Those interested in reading forthis program must register or (if already registered)

update their information in G5 at www.G5.Gov. 

• Please contact Jymece.Seward@ed.gov to sign up and for more information.
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF GEPA SECTION 

427 

PURPOSE: TO ENSURE EQUITABLE 

ACCESS TO, AND PARTICIPATION IN, 

FEDERALLY-ASSISTED PROGRAMS 

FOR ALL BENEFICIARIES.

Section 427 highlights, but is not 

limited to, six barriers that can 

impede equitable access or 

participation:

Gender

Race

National origin Disability

Color Age

An applicant must determine and 

define:

• The participants and community to 

serve 

• The local circumstances 

• Barriers that may inhibit 

participation
GEPA SECTION 427 STANDARD FORM CHANGES

1. ONE OVERALL GENERAL REQUIREMENT

2. FLEXIBILITY TO DETERMINE AND DEFINE 

THE BARRIERS TO “EQUITABLE ACCESS” 

AND “EQUITABLE PARTICIPATION”

3. DISCRETION IN HOW TO DESCRIBE PLANS 

TO ADDRESS THE IDENTIFIED BARRIERS

4. DESCRIPTION MAY BE PROVIDED IN A 

SEPARATE NARRATIVE OR IN 

CONNECTION WITH RELATED TOPICS IN 

THE APPLICATION

Original Form Updated Form

1. APPLICANTS RESPOND TO FOUR QUESTIONS 

WITH SPECIFICITY.

2. FLEXIBILITY TO DETERMINE AND DEFINE THE 

BARRIERS TO “EQUITABLE ACCESS” AND 

“EQUITABLE PARTICIPATION.”

3. A TIMELINE FOR MEETING TARGETED 

MILESTONES FOR REMOVING IDENTIFIED 

BARRIERS.
Updated GEPA Form Has Four Questions

Applicants must respond to each question on the 

standard form and submit the form with its grant 

application package or State plan.

For Grants.gov application submissions:

1. The updated form is integrated into Grants.gov 

and no longer needs to be uploaded as PDF. 

2. The form is electronic and each text box response 

allows 4,000 characters.

3. An error message is received if a response is 

missing and the form can not be saved. (See next 

slide.)
SAMPLE ERROR MESSAGE
GRANT PROGRAM EXAMPLE 

• GRANT PROGRAM GOAL: TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOLS, NON-PROFIT 

ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMBINATIONS OF THOSE INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE ACADEMICS AND 

OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES TO PREPARE LOW-INCOME, FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS, AND 

OTHER UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS FOR A COLLEGE EDUCATION.

• ED STRONG INTEREST IN: ENSURING LOW-INCOME STUDENTS, FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE 

STUDENTS, STUDENTS WHO ARE ENGLISH LEARNERS, STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, HOMELESS 

STUDENTS, STUDENTS WHO ARE IN FOSTER CARE, AND OTHER DISCONNECTED STUDENTS, RECEIVE 

THE NECESSARY SUPPORT TO ASSIST THEM IN SUCCESSFULLY PURSUING A COLLEGE EDUCATION.

• THE SEVERAL SLIDES THAT FOLLOW PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE RESPONSE TO EACH QUESTION ON THE 

NEW SECTION 427 FORM FROM A FICTITIOUS ORGANIZATION APPLYING FOR FEDERAL FUNDS.
QUESTION ONE – RESPONSE EXAMPLE

1. DESCRIBE HOW YOUR ENTITY’S EXISTING MISSION, POLICIES, OR COMMITMENTS ENSURE EQUITABLE 

ACCESS TO, AND EQUITABLE PARTICIPATION IN, THE PROPOSED PROJECT OR ACTIVITY. 

OUR ORGANIZATION HAS A CONTRACT WITH THE CITY TO OPERATE A NON-TRADITIONAL HIGH 

SCHOOL IN THE LOCAL YMCA. AS NON-TRADITIONAL, WE WILL OPEN EARLIER AND REMAIN OPEN 

LONGER THAN A REGULAR HIGH AND BE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK TO WORK WITH STUDENTS 

LIVING ON THEIR OWN, STUDENTS THAT ARE HOMELESS, AND STUDENTS EXPELLED FROM A REGULAR 

HIGH SCHOOL. ONE OF THE GOALS OF OUR ORGANIZATION IS TO ENSURE HOMELESS AND OTHER 

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO OBTAIN HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS.
QUESTION 2 – RESPONSE EXAMPLE 

2. BASED ON YOUR PROPOSED PROJECT OR ACTIVITY, WHAT BARRIERS MAY IMPEDE EQUITABLE 

ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, OR OTHER BENEFICIARIES? 

BASED ON THE POPULATION THAT IS CURRENTLY SERVED OUR ORGANIZATION HAS IDENTIFIED 

HOMELESS STATUS OR HOUSING INSECURITY, PREGNANCY, AND LANGUAGE AS POTENTIAL 

BARRIERS.
QUESTION 3 – RESPONSE EXAMPLE 

3. BASED ON THE BARRIERS IDENTIFIED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO ADDRESS SUCH BARRIERS TO EQUITABLE ACCESS AND 

PARTICIPATION IN THE PROPOSED PROJECT OR ACTIVITY? 

WE INTEND TO OFFER CORE SUBJECTS OF VARYING LEVELS OF MATH, READING, AND SCIENCE, SEVERAL TIMES 

THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND EVENING IN SMALL GROUP SETTINGS SO THAT REGISTERED STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO ATTEND 

CLASSES NEEDED TO GRADUATE. DAILY ATTENDANCE WILL BE REQUIRED ALTHOUGH NOT AT ANY SET TIME. MULTI-LINGUAL 

COUNSELORS WILL BE ON SIGHT AT VARIOUS TIMES TO REGULARLY ENGAGE WITH EACH STUDENT. A MOBILE HEALTH 

TRUCK WILL BE ONSITE BI-WEEKLY TO ADDRESS HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES.
QUESTION 4 – RESPONSE EXAMPLE 

4. WHAT IS YOUR TIMELINE, INCLUDING TARGETED MILESTONES, FOR ADDRESSING THESE IDENTIFIED BARRIERS?

• EXTENSIVE OUTREACH THROUGH POSTERS AND FLYERS POSTED AT LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND 

SHOPS, SUPPORT FROM THE YMCA PATRONS, MOBILE HEALTH VAN TEAM, AND OUR COUNSELING STAFF CONDUCTING 

DAILY FOOT PATROLS WITHIN A SPECIFIC PERIMETER AND IN THE HANGOUT AREAS OF TARGETED YOUTH IN ORDER TO 

SHARE INFORMATION AND RECRUIT TARGETED POPULATION.

• THE TARGET POPULATION ASSIGNED THROUGH THE SYSTEM SUCH AS JUVENILE COURTS WILL ALSO ASSIST IN THE 

IDENTIFICATION AND RECRUITMENT OF THE TARGET POPULATION.

• REGISTER FIVE PERCENT (50 STUDENTS) OF THE TARGET POPULATION (AS DOCUMENTED BY LOCAL STANDARD 

STATISTICAL REFERENCES), FOR CORE CLASSES WITHIN 180 DAYS OF THE OPENING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. 
GEPA FORM INSTRUCTIONS 

• APPLICANTS MAY IDENTIFY ANY BARRIERS THAT MAY IMPEDE EQUITABLE ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION IN THE PROPOSED 

PROJECT OR ACTIVITY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BARRIERS BASED ON ECONOMIC DISADVANTAGE, GENDER, RACE, 

ETHNICITY, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, AGE, LANGUAGE, MIGRANT STATUS, RURAL STATUS, HOMELESS STATUS OR 

HOUSING INSECURITY, PREGNANCY, PARENTING, OR CAREGIVING STATUS, AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION. 

• APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE MISSION STATEMENTS OR POLICIES THAT ALIGN WITH EQUITY IN ORDER TO SUBMIT 

AN APPLICATION. 

• APPLICANTS MAY HAVE ALREADY INCLUDED SOME OR ALL THIS REQUIRED INFORMATION IN THE NARRATIVE SECTIONS OF 

THEIR APPLICATIONS OR THEIR STATE PLANS. IN RESPONDING TO THIS REQUIREMENT, FOR EACH QUESTION, APPLICANTS MAY 

PROVIDE A CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE SECTION(S) AND PAGE NUMBER(S) IN THEIR APPLICATIONS OR STATE PLANS THAT 

INCLUDES THE INFORMATION RESPONSIVE TO THAT QUESTION ON THIS FORM OR MAY RESTATE THAT INFORMATION ON THIS 

FORM.
GEPA FORM INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUED

• APPLICANTS MUST RESPOND TO EACH QUESTION USING THE ASSOCIATED TEXT BOX. EACH TEXT BOX ALLOWS 

APPROXIMATELY 4000 CHARACTERS; THEREFORE, IF COPYING AND PASTING INTO THE TEXT BOX FROM ANOTHER 

DOCUMENT BE SURE TO CHECK THAT EVERYTHING COPIED. 

• APPLICANTS SHOULD USE THE “CHECK FOR ERRORS” BUTTON BEFORE THEY SAVE THE FORM. APPLICANTS WILL 

RECEIVE AN ERROR MESSAGE IF ANY RESPONSE IS MISSING AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION DUE 

TO THE MISSING INFORMATION. 

• APPLICANTS THAT HAVE ALREADY UNDERTAKEN STEPS TO ADDRESS BARRIERS MUST STILL PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION 

AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE STEPS ALREADY TAKEN IN EACH TEXT BOX, AS APPROPRIATE, TO SATISFY THE GEPA 

SECTION 427 REQUIREMENT. 

• APPLICANTS THAT BELIEVE NO BARRIERS EXIST MUST STILL PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION AND/OR DESCRIPTION TO EACH 

QUESTION TO VALIDATE THAT PERCEPTION, AS APPROPRIATE, TO SATISFY THE GEPA SECTION 427 REQUIREMENT. 
GEPA SECTION 427 RESOURCES

• PDF VERSION OF SECTION 427 FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS (ADD WEBSITE LINK)

• COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING, ENSURING EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITIES UNDER THE GEPA SECTION 427

• GEPA SECTION 427 FORM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

• THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION EQUITY ACTION PLAN AT ED.GOV/EQUITY

• COMMENTS OR CONCERNS REGARDING THE STATUS OF YOUR INDIVIDUAL FORM MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE 

PERSON LISTED IN THE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT SECTION IN THE COMPETITION NOTICE 

INVITING APPLICATIONS. 
FREQUENTLY 

ASKED 

QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

May an applicant request less than the average award size?

• Yes.An applicant may request less than the average award size but cannot exceed $990,000.

Can an institution submit more than one application?

• No. If we receive more than 1 application from a single IHE, we will review the application with 

the latest date/time validation.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

Can a PD/PI be multiple individuals?

• Yes, but please be sure to outline their experience/qualifications, responsibilities, and level of 

effort to the grant.

If we have not hired a project director, whose CV do we upload?

• You may want to include a job description if this person has not yet been hired.

Should we include letters of support for our partners?

• Yes. You also want to outline their responsibilities to the grant.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

Can you please advise if the first year of the project can be a planning year for the TGIY program?

• With the short time frame for the project (3 years), and the type of activities you are expected to 

accomplish, the entire first year should not be used as a planning year. Planning should begin as you 

are developing your application. However, we understand it may take some time to get your project 

off the ground and up and running, including conducting outreach, hiring project staff, developing 

activities, establishing partnerships, developing your evaluation plan and internal controls processes, 

etc.

Does the program require an external evaluation, or can we propose an internal one? If either are 

appropriate, is there an advantage in terms of scoring criteria to have an external evaluation?

• You can use either an external or internal evaluator. We do not give an applicant preference or 

additional points for the type of evaluator they choose to use.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

Can you explain how the invitational priorities work and/or their purpose?

• These priorities speak to the Congressional language set forth for the program in the explanatory 

statement of the FY 2023 Congressional Appropriations. 

• These priorities are also important because they speak to important realities and needs of ganginvolved youth as evidenced in the NIA purpose and background section. 

• Applicants can respond to any or all Invitational Priorities, but they are not required, and we do 

not give additional points or preference to applicants for responding to these priorities. 
QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

What is the performance period for this grant?

• We don’t have an exact start date established just yet, as that will depend on the peer review and approval 

process. Successful applicants will receive their federal funds for all 3 years up front no later than December 

31, 2023.

Is there an evaluation set-aside or a suggested budget amount for evaluation in the grant? 

• You ideally want to set aside funds for evaluation purposes, but we don’t prescribe the amount. Please be 

sure it is reasonable, allocable, and allowable.

Are there any evidentiary standards or suggestions for sample size, methods, or research questions in the 

evaluation portion? 

• This grant does not require evidence standards, other than a logic model. We don’t prescribe the sample 

size, methods, or research questions, as that would be up to the applicant and their evaluation team.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

Am I required to submit a logic model with my application?

• Yes.

What do I need to submit in the budget section?

• Applicants should prepare a 3-year budget request by filling out the ED524 Budget 

Form and preparing a budget narrative.

How will my grant funds be distributed?

• Successful applicants will receive their federal funds for all 3 years up front no later 

than December 31, 2023.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

What can we use grant funds for/what is allowable?

• All activities and budget items must at least satisfy the absolute priorities as stated in the NIA.There are no

program-specific regulations, but activities and budget items must directly align with project objectives and adhere

to applicable EDGAR and uniform guidance citations that govern the program.

• In the big picture a program should be providing supports to students based on what is expected in the 

absolutely priority, but keep in mind to take an approach that is inclusive and creates systemic change.

• Think about what you can do to help gang-involved students access, persist and succeed in college and into a

high- need occupation.

What is the open licensing requirement, aka “open rule”?

Beginning with FY 2018 grant competitions, in accordance with the “open rule” published in early 2017, the 

Department is generally requiring that for competitive grants, grantees and subgrantees must openly license grant 

deliverables created wholly or in part with Department grant funds. This requirement will apply 

to new copyrightable works and any new modifications to pre-existing works that are separately identifiable and 

developed during the grant implementation.

This program is subject to the requirements of the open rule. 
Q&A

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RESOURCES

• NIA - Federal Register :: Applications for New Awards; Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to 

Higher Education Program

• TGIY Program Page - Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program

• Open Licensing Requirement for Competitive Grant Programs

2 C.F.R. §3474.20

Final Regulations

• Technical Assistance for ED Grantees

• https://grants.gov/

• www.sam.gov

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UPCOMING PRE-APPLICATION TA WEBINARS

ALL WEBINARS HELD VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS 

• WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH FROM 2PM – 3:30PM, ET

• WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28TH FROM 2PM-3:30PM, ET

*REFER TO THE TGIY PROGRAM PAGE AND GRANTS.GOV FOR MORE 

INFORMATION.
MORE QUESTIONS?

• PLEASE REFER TO THE FAQ DOCUMENT FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS/INFORMATION
PROGRAM CONTACTS

• JYMECE SEWARD| JYMECE.SEWARD@ED.GOV, 202-453-6138

• PROGRAM WEBPAGE: 

HTTPS://WWW2.ED.GOV/PROGRAMS/GIYP/INDEX.HTML

• PROGRAM EMAIL: TGIY-HEP@ED.GOV

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THANK YOU!