20 USC CHAPTER 28, SUBCHAPTER IV, Part A: federal early outreach and student 

services programs Text contains those laws in effect on January 7, 2011 

From Title 20—EDUCATION

CHAPTER 28—HIGHER EDUCATION RESOURCES AND STUDENT 

ASSISTANCESUBCHAPTER IV—STUDENT ASSISTANCE

Part A—Grants to Students in Attendance at Institutions of Higher Education

subpart 2—federal early outreach and student services programs

CODIFICATION

Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(2), (4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 482, added subpart 2 and 

redesignated former subpart 2 comprising sections 1070b to 1070b–3 of this title as subpart 3.

Division 1—Federal TRIO Programs

§1070a–11. Program authority; authorization of appropriations

(a) Grants and contracts authorized

The Secretary shall, in accordance with the provisions of this division, carry out a program of 

making grants and contracts designed to identify qualified individuals from disadvantaged 

backgrounds, to prepare them for a program of postsecondary education, to provide support 

services for such students who are pursuing programs of postsecondary education, to motivate 

and prepare students for doctoral programs, and to train individuals serving or preparing for 

service in programs and projects so designed.

(b) Recipients, duration, and size

(1) Recipients

For the purposes described in subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary is 

authorized, without regard to section 6101 of title 41, to make grants to, and contracts 

with, 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, for planning, 

developing, or carrying out one or more of the services assisted under this division.

(2) Duration

Grants or contracts made under this division shall be awarded for a period of 5 

years, except that—

(A) in order to synchronize the awarding of grants for programs under this 

division, the Secretary may, under such terms as are consistent with the purposes 

of this division, provide a one-time, limited extension of the length of such an 

award;

(B) grants made under section 1070a–17 of this title shall be awarded for a 

period of 2 years; and

(C) grants under section 1070a–18 of this title shall be awarded for a period 

determined by the Secretary.
(3) Minimum grants

Unless the institution or agency requests a smaller amount, an individual grant 

authorized under this division shall be awarded in an amount that is not less than 

$200,000, except that an individual grant authorized under section 1070a–17 of this 

title shall be awarded in an amount that is not less than $170,000.

(c) Procedures for awarding grants and contracts

(1) Application requirements

An eligible entity that desires to receive a grant or contract under this division shall 

submit an application to the Secretary in such manner and form, and containing such 

information and assurances, as the Secretary may reasonably require.

(2) Considerations

(A) Prior experience

In making grants under this division, the Secretary shall consider each 

applicant's prior experience of high quality service delivery, as determined under 

subsection (f), under the particular program for which funds are sought. The level 

of consideration given the factor of prior experience shall not vary from the level of 

consideration given such factor during fiscal years 1994 through 1997, except that 

grants made under section 1070a–18 of this title shall not be given prior 

experience consideration.

(B) Participant need

In making grants under this division, the Secretary shall consider the number, 

percentages, and needs of eligible participants in the area, institution of higher 

education, or secondary school to be served to aid such participants in preparing 

for, enrolling in, or succeeding in postsecondary education, as appropriate to the 

particular program for which the eligible entity is applying.

(3) Order of awards; program fraud

(A) Except with respect to grants made under sections 1070a–17 and 1070a–18 of 

this title and as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall award grants and 

contracts under this division in the order of the scores received by the application for 

such grant or contract in the peer review process required under paragraph (4) and 

adjusted for prior experience in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(B) The Secretary shall not provide assistance to a program otherwise eligible for 

assistance under this division, if the Secretary has determined that such program has 

involved the fraudulent use of funds under this division.

(4) Peer review process

(A) The Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, members of groups 

underrepresented in higher education, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native 

Americans, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, and Native American Pacific Islanders 

(including Native Hawaiians), are represented as readers of applications submitted 

under this division. The Secretary shall also ensure that persons from urban and rural 

backgrounds are represented as readers.

(B) The Secretary shall ensure that each application submitted under this division 

is read by at least three readers who are not employees of the Federal Government 

(other than as readers of applications).

(5) Number of applications for grants and contracts
The Secretary shall not limit the number of applications submitted by an entity 

under any program authorized under this division if the additional applications 

describe programs serving different populations or different campuses.

(6) Coordination with other programs for disadvantaged students

The Secretary shall encourage coordination of programs assisted under this 

division with other programs for disadvantaged students operated by the sponsoring 

institution or agency, regardless of the funding source of such programs. The 

Secretary shall not limit an entity's eligibility to receive funds under this division 

because such entity sponsors a program similar to the program to be assisted under 

this division, regardless of the funding source of such program. The Secretary shall 

permit the Director of a program receiving funds under this division to administer one 

or more additional programs for disadvantaged students operated by the sponsoring 

institution or agency, regardless of the funding sources of such programs. The 

Secretary shall, as appropriate, require each applicant for funds under the programs 

authorized by this division to identify and make available services under such 

program, including mentoring, tutoring, and other services provided by such program, 

to foster care youth (including youth in foster care and youth who have left foster care 

after reaching age 13) or to homeless children and youths as defined in section 

11434a of title 42.

(7) Application status

The Secretary shall inform each entity operating programs under this division 

regarding the status of their application for continued funding at least 8 months prior 

to the expiration of the grant or contract. The Secretary, in the case of an entity that is 

continuing to operate a successful program under this division, shall ensure that the 

start-up date for a new grant or contract for such program immediately follows the

termination of the preceding grant or contract so that no interruption of funding occurs 

for such successful reapplicants. The Secretary shall inform each entity requesting 

assistance under this division for a new program regarding the status of their 

application at least 8 months prior to the proposed startup date of such program.

(8) Review and notification by the Secretary

(A) Guidance

Not later than 180 days after August 14, 2008, the Secretary shall issue 

nonregulatory guidance regarding the rights and responsibilities of applicants with 

respect to the application and evaluation process for programs and projects 

assisted under this division, including applicant access to peer review comments. 

The guidance shall describe the procedures for the submission, processing, and 

scoring of applications for grants under this division, including—

(i) the responsibility of applicants to submit materials in a timely manner and in 

accordance with the processes established by the Secretary under the authority 

of the General Education Provisions Act [20 U.S.C. 1221 et seq.];

(ii) steps the Secretary will take to ensure that the materials submitted by 

applicants are processed in a proper and timely manner;

(iii) steps the Secretary will take to ensure that prior experience points for high 

quality service delivery are awarded in an accurate and transparent manner;

(iv) steps the Secretary will take to ensure the quality and integrity of the peer 

review process, including assurances that peer reviewers will consider 

applications for grants under this division in a thorough and complete manner 

consistent with applicable Federal law; and
(v) steps the Secretary will take to ensure that the final score of an application, 

including prior experience points for high quality service delivery and points 

awarded through the peer review process, is determined in an accurate and 

transparent manner.

(B) Updated guidance

Not later than 45 days before the date of the commencement of each 

competition for a grant under this division that is held after the expiration of the 

180-day period described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall update and 

publish the guidance described in such subparagraph.

(C) Review

(i) In general

With respect to any competition for a grant under this division, an applicant 

may request a review by the Secretary if the applicant—

(I) has evidence of a specific technical, administrative, or scoring error 

made by the Department, an agent of the Department, or a peer reviewer, 

with respect to the scoring or processing of a submitted application; and

(II) has otherwise met all of the requirements for submission of the 

application.

(ii) Technical or administrative error

In the case of evidence of a technical or administrative error listed in clause 

(i)(I), the Secretary shall review such evidence and provide a timely response to 

the applicant. If the Secretary determines that a technical or administrative error 

was made by the Department or an agent of the Department, the application of 

the applicant shall be reconsidered in the peer review process for the applicable 

grant competition.

(iii) Scoring error

In the case of evidence of a scoring error listed in clause (i)(I), when the error 

relates to either prior experience points for high quality service delivery or to the 

final score of an application, the Secretary shall—

(I) review such evidence and provide a timely response to the applicant; 

and

(II) if the Secretary determines that a scoring error was made by the 

Department or a peer reviewer, adjust the prior experience points or final 

score of the application appropriately and quickly, so as not to interfere with 

the timely awarding of grants for the applicable grant competition.

(iv) Error in peer review process

(I) Referral to secondary review

In the case of a peer review process error listed in clause (i)(I), if the 

Secretary determines that points were withheld for criteria not required in 

Federal statute, regulation, or guidance governing a program assisted under 

this division or the application for a grant for such program, or determines that 

information pertaining to selection criteria was wrongly determined to be 

missing from an application by a peer reviewer, then the Secretary shall refer 

the application to a secondary review panel.

(II) Timely review; replacement score
The secondary review panel described in subclause (I) shall conduct a 

secondary review in a timely fashion, and the score resulting from the 

secondary review shall replace the score from the initial peer review.

(III) Composition of secondary review panel

The secondary review panel shall be composed of reviewers each of 

whom—

(aa) did not review the application in the original peer review;

(bb) is a member of the cohort of peer reviewers for the grant program 

that is the subject of such secondary review; and

(cc) to extent practicable, has conducted peer reviews in not less than 

two previous competitions for the grant program that is the subject of such 

secondary review.

(IV) Final score

The final peer review score of an application subject to a secondary review 

under this clause shall be adjusted appropriately and quickly using the score 

awarded by the secondary review panel, so as not to interfere with the timely 

awarding of grants for the applicable grant competition.

(V) Qualification for secondary review

To qualify for a secondary review under this clause, an applicant shall have 

evidence of a scoring error and demonstrate that—

(aa) points were withheld for criteria not required in statute, regulation, or 

guidance governing the Federal TRIO programs or the application for a 

grant for such programs; or

(bb) information pertaining to selection criteria was wrongly determined to 

be missing from the application.

(v) Finality

(I) In general

A determination by the Secretary under clause (i), (ii), or (iii) shall not be 

reviewable by any officer or employee of the Department.

(II) Scoring

The score awarded by a secondary review panel under clause (iv) shall not 

be reviewable by any officer or employee of the Department other than the 

Secretary.

(vi) Funding of applications with certain adjusted scores

To the extent feasible based on the availability of appropriations, the 

Secretary shall fund applications with scores that are adjusted upward under 

clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) to equal or exceed the minimum cut off score for the 

applicable grant competition.

(d) Outreach

(1) In general

The Secretary shall conduct outreach activities to ensure that entities eligible for 

assistance under this division submit applications proposing programs that serve 

geographic areas and eligible populations which have been underserved by the 

programs assisted under this division.

(2) Notice
In carrying out the provisions of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall notify the 

entities described in subsection (b) of this section of the availability of assistance 

under this subsection not less than 120 days prior to the deadline for submission of 

applications under this division and shall consult national, State, and regional 

organizations about candidates for notification.

(3) Technical assistance

The Secretary shall provide technical training to applicants for projects and 

programs authorized under this division. The Secretary shall give priority to serving 

programs and projects that serve geographic areas and eligible populations which 

have been underserved by the programs assisted under this division. Technical 

training activities shall include the provision of information on authorizing legislation, 

goals and objectives of the program, required activities, eligibility requirements, the 

application process and application deadlines, and assistance in the development of 

program proposals and the completion of program applications. Such training shall be 

furnished at conferences, seminars, and workshops to be conducted at not less than 

10 sites throughout the United States to ensure that all areas of the United States 

with large concentrations of eligible participants are served.

(4) Special rule

The Secretary may contract with eligible entities to conduct the outreach activities 

described in this subsection.

(e) Documentation of status as a low-income individual

(1) Except in the case of an independent student, as defined in section 1087vv(d) of this title, 

documentation of an individual's status pursuant to subsection (h)(4) shall be made by providing 

the Secretary with—

(A) a signed statement from the individual's parent or legal guardian;

(B) verification from another governmental source;

(C) a signed financial aid application; or

(D) a signed United States or Puerto Rico income tax return.

(2) In the case of an independent student, as defined in section 1087vv(d) of this title, 

documentation of an individual's status pursuant to subsection (h)(4) shall be made by providing 

the Secretary with—

(A) a signed statement from the individual;

(B) verification from another governmental source;

(C) a signed financial aid application; or

(D) a signed United States or Puerto Rico income tax return.

(3) Notwithstanding this subsection and subsection (h)(4), individuals who are foster care 

youth (including youth in foster care and youth who have left foster care after reaching age 13), 

or homeless children and youths as defined in section 11434a of title 42, shall be eligible to 

participate in programs under sections 1070a–12, 1070a–13, 1070a–14, and 1070a–16 of this 

title.

(f) Outcome criteria

(1) Use for prior experience determination

For competitions for grants under this division that begin on or after January 1, 

2009, the Secretary shall determine an eligible entity's prior experience of high quality 

service delivery, as required under subsection (c)(2), based on the outcome criteria 

described in paragraphs (2) and (3).
(2) Disaggregation of relevant data

The outcome criteria under this subsection shall be disaggregated by low-income 

students, first generation college students, and individuals with disabilities, in the 

schools and institutions of higher education served by the program to be evaluated.

(3) Contents of outcome criteria

The outcome criteria under this subsection shall measure, annually and for longer 

periods, the quality and effectiveness of programs authorized under this division and 

shall include the following:

(A) For programs authorized under section 1070a–12 of this title, the extent to 

which the eligible entity met or exceeded the entity's objectives established in the 

entity's application for such program regarding—

(i) the delivery of service to a total number of students served by the program;

(ii) the continued secondary school enrollment of such students;

(iii) the graduation of such students from secondary school with a regular 

secondary school diploma in the standard number of years;

(iv) the completion by such students of a rigorous secondary school program 

of study that will make such students eligible for programs such as the Academic 

Competitiveness Grants Program;

(v) the enrollment of such students in an institution of higher education; and

(vi) to the extent practicable, the postsecondary education completion of such 

students.

(B) For programs authorized under section 1070a–13 of this title, the extent to 

which the eligible entity met or exceeded the entity's objectives for such program 

regarding—

(i) the delivery of service to a total number of students served by the program, 

as agreed upon by the entity and the Secretary for the period;

(ii) such students’ school performance, as measured by the grade point 

average, or its equivalent;

(iii) such students’ academic performance, as measured by standardized 

tests, including tests required by the students’ State;

(iv) the retention in, and graduation from, secondary school of such students;

(v) the completion by such students of a rigorous secondary school program 

of study that will make such students eligible for programs such as the Academic 

Competitiveness Grants Program;

(vi) the enrollment of such students in an institution of higher education; and

(vii) to the extent practicable, the postsecondary education completion of such 

students.

(C) For programs authorized under section 1070a–14 of this title—

(i) the extent to which the eligible entity met or exceeded the entity's 

objectives regarding the retention in postsecondary education of the students 

served by the program;

(ii)(I) in the case of an entity that is an institution of higher education offering a 

baccalaureate degree, the extent to which the entity met or exceeded the entity's 

objectives regarding the percentage of such students’ completion of the degree 

programs in which such students were enrolled; or

(II) in the case of an entity that is an institution of higher education that does 

not offer a baccalaureate degree, the extent to which such students met or 

exceeded the entity's objectives regarding—
(aa) the completion of a degree or certificate by such students; and

(bb) the transfer of such students to institutions of higher education that 

offer baccalaureate degrees;

(iii) the extent to which the entity met or exceeded the entity's objectives 

regarding the delivery of service to a total number of students, as agreed upon 

by the entity and the Secretary for the period; and

(iv) the extent to which the entity met or exceeded the entity's objectives 

regarding the students served under the program who remain in good academic 

standing.

(D) For programs authorized under section 1070a–15 of this title, the extent to 

which the entity met or exceeded the entity's objectives for such program 

regarding—

(i) the delivery of service to a total number of students served by the program, 

as agreed upon by the entity and the Secretary for the period;

(ii) the provision of appropriate scholarly and research activities for the 

students served by the program;

(iii) the acceptance and enrollment of such students in graduate programs; 

and

(iv) the continued enrollment of such students in graduate study and the 

attainment of doctoral degrees by former program participants.

(E) For programs authorized under section 1070a–16 of this title, the extent to 

which the entity met or exceeded the entity's objectives for such program 

regarding—

(i) the enrollment of students without a secondary school diploma or its 

recognized equivalent, who were served by the program, in programs leading to 

such diploma or equivalent;

(ii) the enrollment of secondary school graduates who were served by the 

program in programs of postsecondary education;

(iii) the delivery of service to a total number of students served by the 

program, as agreed upon by the entity and the Secretary for the period; and

(iv) the provision of assistance to students served by the program in 

completing financial aid applications and college admission applications.

(4) Measurement of progress

In order to determine the extent to which each outcome criterion described in 

paragraph (2) or (3) is met or exceeded, the Secretary shall compare the agreed 

upon target for the criterion, as established in the eligible entity's application 

approved by the Secretary, with the results for the criterion, measured as of the last 

day of the applicable time period for the determination for the outcome criterion.

(g) Authorization of appropriations

For the purpose of making grants and contracts under this division, there are authorized to be 

appropriated $900,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary for each of 

the five succeeding fiscal years. Of the amount appropriated under this division, the Secretary 

may use no more than 1⁄2 of 1 percent of such amount to obtain additional qualified readers and 

additional staff to review applications, to increase the level of oversight monitoring, to support 

impact studies, program assessments and reviews, and to provide technical assistance to 

potential applicants and current grantees. In expending these funds, the Secretary shall give 
priority to the additional administrative requirements provided in the Higher Education 

Amendments of 1992, to outreach activities, and to obtaining additional readers.

(h) Definitions

For the purpose of this division:

(1) Different campus

The term “different campus” means a site of an institution of higher education 

that—

(A) is geographically apart from the main campus of the institution;

(B) is permanent in nature; and

(C) offers courses in educational programs leading to a degree, certificate, or 

other recognized educational credential.

(2) Different population

The term “different population” means a group of individuals that an eligible entity 

desires to serve through an application for a grant under this division, and that—

(A) is separate and distinct from any other population that the entity has applied 

for a grant under this division to serve; or

(B) while sharing some of the same needs as another population that the eligible 

entity has applied for a grant under this division to serve, has distinct needs for 

specialized services.

(3) First generation college student

The term “first generation college student” means—

(A) an individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate 

degree; or

(B) in the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support 

from only one parent, an individual whose only such parent did not complete a 

baccalaureate degree.

(4) Low-income individual

The term “low-income individual” means an individual from a family whose taxable 

income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the 

poverty level determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the 

Census.

(5) Veteran eligibility

No veteran shall be deemed ineligible to participate in any program under this 

division by reason of such individual's age who—

(A) served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days and was 

discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable;

(B) served on active duty and was discharged or released therefrom because of 

a service connected disability;

(C) was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces called to active 

duty for a period of more than 30 days; or

(D) was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who served on 

active duty in support of a contingency operation (as that term is defined in section 

101(a)(13) of title 10) on or after September 11, 2001.

(6) Waiver

The Secretary may waive the service requirements in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) 

of paragraph (5) if the Secretary determines the application of the service 

requirements to a veteran will defeat the purpose of a program under this division.
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §402A, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 

106 Stat. 482; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(6)–(9), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2458; Pub. L. 

105–244, title I, §102(b)(1), title IV, §402(a), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1622, 1652; Pub. L. 110–

315, title IV, §403(a), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3191; Pub. L. 111–39, title IV, §401(a)(4), July 1, 

2009, 123 Stat. 1938.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT

The General Education Provisions Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(8)(A)(i), is title IV of Pub. L. 

90–247, Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 814, which is classified generally to chapter 31 (§1221 et seq.) of 

this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1221 of this title and 

Tables.

The Higher Education Amendments of 1992, referred to in subsec. (g), is Pub. L. 102–325, 

July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 448. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title 

of 1992 Amendment note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

REFERENCES TO SUBPART 2, 3, OR 4 OF THIS PART DEEMED TO REFER TO SUBPART 3, 4, OR 2 OF THIS 

PART

Section 402(b) of Pub. L. 102–325 provided that: “Reference in any provision of law (other 

than the Act [20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.]) to subpart 2, 3, or 4 of part A of title IV of the Act shall, 

after the date of enactment of this Act [July 23, 1992], be deemed to refer to subpart 3 [20 

U.S.C. 1070b et seq.], 4 [20 U.S.C. 1070c et seq.], or 2 [20 U.S.C. 1070a–11 et seq.] of such 

part, respectively.”

CODIFICATION

In subsec. (b)(1), “section 6101 of title 41” substituted for “section 3709 of the Revised 

Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5)” on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, 

which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

AMENDMENTS

2009—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–39, §401(a)(4)(A), substituted “organizations, including” 

for “organizations including”.

Subsec. (c)(8)(C)(iv)(I). Pub. L. 111–39, §401(a)(4)(B), inserted “to be” after “determined”.

2008—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(1)(A), inserted “including community-based 

organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth” after “private agencies and 

organizations” and substituted “, as appropriate to the purposes of the program” for “in 

exceptional circumstances”.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(1)(B)(i), substituted “5 years” for “4 years” in 

introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(1)(B)(ii), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to 

amendment subpar. (A) read as follows: “the Secretary shall award such grants or contracts for 

5 years to applicants whose peer review scores were in the highest 10 percent of scores of all 

applicants receiving grants or contracts in each program competition for the same award year;”.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(1)(C), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3). 

Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Unless the institution or agency requests a smaller 

amount, individual grants under this division shall be no less than—

“(A) $170,000 for programs authorized by sections 1070a–14 and 1070a–17 of 

this title;
“(B) $180,000 for programs authorized by sections 1070a–12 and 1070a–16 of 

this title; and

“(C) $190,000 for programs authorized by sections 1070a–13 and 1070a–15 of 

this title.”

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(2)(A), inserted par. heading, designated former par. 

heading as subpar. (A) heading and existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted “high quality 

service delivery, as determined under subsection (f),” for “service delivery”, and added subpar. 

(B).

Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(2)(B), substituted “shall not” for “is not required 

to”.

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(2)(C), substituted “different campuses” for 

“campuses”.

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(2)(D), inserted at end “The Secretary shall, as 

appropriate, require each applicant for funds under the programs authorized by this division to 

identify and make available services under such program, including mentoring, tutoring, and 

other services provided by such program, to foster care youth (including youth in foster care and 

youth who have left foster care after reaching age 13) or to homeless children and youths as 

defined in section 11434a of title 42.”

Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(2)(E), added par. (8).

Subsec. (e)(1), (2). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(3)(A), substituted “subsection (h)(4)” for 

“subsection (g)(2)” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(3)(B), added par. (3).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(5), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated 

(g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(6), substituted “$900,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and 

such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years” for “$700,000,000 

for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal 

years” and struck out last sentence which read as follows: “The Secretary shall report to 

Congress by October 1, 1994, on the use of these funds.”

Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g). Former subsec. (g) 

redesignated (h).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(7)(A), (B), added pars. (1) and (2) and redesignated 

former pars. (1) to (4) as (3) to (6), respectively.

Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h).

Subsec. (h)(5)(A). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(7)(C)(i), struck out “, any part of which occurred 

after January 31, 1955,” after “more than 180 days” and “or” after semicolon.

Subsec. (h)(5)(B). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(7)(C)(ii), struck out “after January 31, 1955,” 

after “active duty” and substituted a semicolon for period at end.

Subsec. (h)(5)(C), (D). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(7)(C)(iii), added subpars. (C) and (D).
Subsec. (h)(6). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(a)(7)(D), substituted “subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of 

paragraph (5)” for “subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (3)”.

1998—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(a)(1), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(a)(2), amended heading and text of par. (3) generally. 

Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “In any year in which the appropriations authorized 

under this division exceed the prior year appropriation as adjusted for inflation, the Secretary 

shall use 80 percent of the amount appropriated above the current services level to bring each 

award up to the minimum grant level or the amount requested by the institution or agency, 

whichever is less. The minimum grant level (A) for programs authorized under section 1070a–

14 or 1070a–17 of this title, shall not be less than $170,000 for fiscal year 1993; (B) for 

programs authorized under section 1070a–12 or 1070a–16 of this title shall not be less than 

$180,000 for fiscal year 1994; and (C) for programs authorized under section 1070a–13 or 

1070a–15 of this title shall not be less than $190,000 for fiscal year 1995.”

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(a)(3), amended subsec. (c) generally, revising and 

restating former pars. (1) to (6), relating to procedures for awarding grants and contracts, as 

pars. (1) to (7).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 105–244, §102(b)(1), substituted “section 1011g” for “section 1145d–

1”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(a)(4), substituted “$700,000,000 for fiscal year 1999” for 

“$650,000,000 for fiscal year 1993”.

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(a)(5), added par. (4).

1993—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(6), added par. (2) and struck out former par. 

(2) which read as follows: “Grants or contracts made under this division shall be awarded for a 

period of 4 years, except that the Secretary shall award such grants or contracts for 5 years to 

applicants whose peer review scores were in the highest 10 percent of scores of all applicants 

receiving grants or contracts in each program competition for the same award year.”

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(7), inserted before period at end of second sentence 

“, except that in the case of the programs authorized in sections 1070a–15 and 1070a–17 of this 

title, the level of consideration given to prior experience shall be the same as the level of 

consideration given this factor in the other programs authorized in this division”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(8), inserted “with respect to grants made under 

section 1070a–17 of this title, and” after “Except”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(9), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, 

subsec. (e) read as follows: “Documentation of an individual's status pursuant to subsection 

(g)(2) of this section shall be made—

“(1) in the case of an individual who is eighteen years of age or younger or a 

dependent student by providing the Secretary with a signed statement from the 

parent or legal guardian, verification from another governmental source, a signed 

financial aid application, or a signed United States or Puerto Rican income tax return; 

and

“(2) in the case of an individual who is age 18 or older or who is an independent 

student, by providing the Secretary with a signed statement from the individual, 
verification from another governmental source, a signed financial aid form, or a 

signed United States or Puerto Rican income tax return.”

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2009 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–39 effective as if enacted on the date of enactment of Pub. L. 

110–315 (Aug. 14, 2008), see section 3 of Pub. L. 111–39, set out as a note under section 1001 

of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. 

L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1993 AMENDMENT

Amendment by section 2(b)(6), (8), (9) of Pub. L. 103–208 effective as if included in the 

Higher Education Amendments of 1992, Pub. L. 102–325, except as otherwise provided, and 

amendment by section 2(b)(7) of Pub. L. 103–208 effective on and after Dec. 20, 1993, see 

section 5(a), (b)(2) of Pub. L. 103–208 set out as a note under section 1051 of this title.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT FEE PAYMENT PROGRAM

Pub. L. 105–244, title VIII, §810, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1808, which authorized grants to 

States to enable States to reimburse low-income individuals to cover part or all of the cost of 

advanced placement test fees, required dissemination of information regarding availability of 

payments, set forth requirements for approval of applications and funding rules, authorized 

regulations, required annual report, defined terms, and authorized appropriations, was repealed 

by Pub. L. 107–110, title X, §1011(2), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1986.

Similar provisions were contained in Pub. L. 102–325, title XV, §1545, July 23, 1992, 106 

Stat. 837, which was repealed by Pub. L. 107–110, title X, §1011(1), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 

1986.

§1070a–12. Talent search

(a) Program authority

The Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as talent search which shall be 

designed—

(1) to identify qualified youths with potential for education at the postsecondary 

level and to encourage such youths to complete secondary school and to undertake a 

program of postsecondary education;

(2) to publicize the availability of, and facilitate the application for, student financial 

assistance available to persons who pursue a program of postsecondary education; 

and

(3) to encourage persons who have not completed programs of education at the 

secondary or postsecondary level to enter or reenter, and complete such programs.

(b) Required services

Any project assisted under this section shall provide—

(1) connections to high quality academic tutoring services, to enable students to 

complete secondary or postsecondary courses;

(2) advice and assistance in secondary course selection and, if applicable, initial 

postsecondary course selection;

(3) assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing 

college admission applications;
(4)(A) information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and 

benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for 

locating public and private scholarships; and

(B) assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free 

Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 1090(a) of this title;

(5) guidance on and assistance in—

(A) secondary school reentry;

(B) alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to 

the receipt of a regular secondary school diploma;

(C) entry into general educational development (GED) programs; or

(D) postsecondary education; and

(6) connections to education or counseling services designed to improve the 

financial literacy and economic literacy of students or the students’ parents, including 

financial planning for postsecondary education.

(c) Permissible services

Any project assisted under this section may provide services such as—

(1) academic tutoring, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, 

mathematics, science, and other subjects;

(2) personal and career counseling or activities;

(3) information and activities designed to acquaint youth with the range of career 

options available to the youth;

(4) exposure to the campuses of institutions of higher education, as well as cultural 

events, academic programs, and other sites or activities not usually available to 

disadvantaged youth;

(5) workshops and counseling for families of students served;

(6) mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers or 

counselors, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any 

combination of such persons; and

(7) programs and activities as described in subsection (b) or paragraphs (1) 

through (6) of this subsection that are specially designed for students who are limited 

English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in 

postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless 

children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42), students 

who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other 

disconnected students.

(d) Requirements for approval of applications

In approving applications for projects under this section for any fiscal year the Secretary 

shall—

(1) require an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the individuals participating 

in the project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income 

individuals who are first generation college students;

(2) require that such participants be persons who either have completed 5 years of 

elementary education or are at least 11 years of age but not more than 27 years of 

age, unless the imposition of any such limitation with respect to any person would 

defeat the purposes of this section or the purposes of section 1070a–16 of this title;

(3) require an assurance that individuals participating in the project proposed in the 

application do not have access to services from another project funded under this 

section or under section 1070a–16 of this title; and
(4) require an assurance that the project will be located in a setting accessible to 

the persons proposed to be served by the project.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §402B, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 

106 Stat. 486; amended Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §402(b), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1654; Pub. L. 

110–315, title IV, §403(b), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3198.)

AMENDMENTS

2008—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(b)(1)(A), inserted “, and facilitate the 

application for,” after “the availability of”.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(b)(1)(B), substituted “to enter or reenter, and 

complete” for “, but who have the ability to complete such programs, to reenter”.

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(b)(3), added subsecs. (b) and (c) and struck out 

former subsec. (b) which related to permissible services. Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(b)(2), (4), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d) and substituted 

“projects under this section” for “talent search projects under this division” in introductory 

provisions.

1998—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(b)(1), added par. (4) and struck out former par. 

(4) which read as follows: “guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to general 

educational development (GED) programs or other alternative education programs for 

secondary school dropouts;”.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(b)(2), inserted before semicolon “, or activities 

designed to acquaint individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with careers in which the 

individuals are particularly underrepresented”.

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(b)(3), substituted “families” for “parents”.

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(b)(4), inserted “or counselors” after “teachers”.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. 

L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

§1070a–13. Upward bound

(a) Program authority

The Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as upward bound which shall be 

designed to generate skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond 

secondary school.

(b) Required services

Any project assisted under this section shall provide—

(1) academic tutoring to enable students to complete secondary or postsecondary 

courses, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, 

science, and other subjects;

(2) advice and assistance in secondary and postsecondary course selection;

(3) assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing 

college admission applications;
(4)(A) information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and 

benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for 

locating public and private scholarships; and

(B) assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free 

Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 1090(a) of this title;

(5) guidance on and assistance in—

(A) secondary school reentry;

(B) alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to 

the receipt of a regular secondary school diploma;

(C) entry into general educational development (GED) programs; or

(D) postsecondary education; and

(6) education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and 

economic literacy of students or the students’ parents, including financial planning for 

postsecondary education.

(c) Additional required services for multiple-year grant recipients

Any project assisted under this section which has received funding for two or more years 

shall include, as part of the core curriculum in the next and succeeding years, instruction in 

mathematics through precalculus, laboratory science, foreign language, composition, and 

literature.

(d) Permissible services

Any project assisted under this section may provide such services as—

(1) exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually 

available to disadvantaged youth;

(2) information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint youth participating 

in the project with the range of career options available to the youth;

(3) on-campus residential programs;

(4) mentoring programs involving elementary school or secondary school teachers 

or counselors, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any 

combination of such persons;

(5) work-study positions where youth participating in the project are exposed to 

careers requiring a postsecondary degree;

(6) special services, including mathematics and science preparation, to enable 

veterans to make the transition to postsecondary education; and

(7) programs and activities as described in subsection (b), subsection (c), or 

paragraphs (1) through (6) of this subsection that are specially designed for students 

who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally 

underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students 

who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of 

title 42), students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or 

other disconnected students.

(e) Requirements for approval of applications

In approving applications for projects under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary 

shall—

(1) require an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the youths participating in 

the project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income 

individuals who are first generation college students;
(2) require an assurance that the remaining youths participating in the project 

proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income individuals, first 

generation college students, or students who have a high risk for academic failure;

(3) require that there be a determination by the institution, with respect to each 

participant in such project that the participant has a need for academic support in 

order to pursue successfully a program of education beyond secondary school;

(4) require that such participants be persons who have completed 8 years of 

elementary education and are at least 13 years of age but not more than 19 years of 

age, unless the imposition of any such limitation would defeat the purposes of this 

section; and

(5) require an assurance that no student will be denied participation in a project 

assisted under this section because the student will enter the project after the 9th 

grade.

(f) Maximum stipends

Youths participating in a project proposed to be carried out under any application may be paid 

stipends not in excess of $60 per month during the summer school recess, for a period not to 

exceed three months, except that youth participating in a work-study position under subsection 

(d)(5) of this section may be paid a stipend of $300 per month during the summer school 

recess, for a period not to exceed three months. Youths participating in a project proposed to be 

carried out under any application may be paid stipends not in excess of $40 per month during 

the remaining period of the year.

(g) Additional funds

(1) Authorization and appropriation

There are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated to the 

Secretary, from funds not otherwise appropriated, $57,000,000 for each of the fiscal 

years 2008 through 2011 to carry out paragraph (2), except that any amounts that 

remain unexpended for such purpose for each of such fiscal years may be available 

for technical assistance and administration costs for the Upward Bound program. The 

authority to award grants under this subsection shall expire at the end of fiscal year 

2011.

(2) Use of funds

The amounts made available by paragraph (1) shall be available to provide 

assistance to all Upward Bound projects that did not receive assistance in fiscal year 

2007 and that have a grant score above 70. Such assistance shall be made available 

in the form of 4-year grants.

(h) Absolute priority prohibited in Upward Bound Program

Upon enactment of this subsection and except as otherwise expressly provided by 

amendment to this section, the Secretary shall not continue, implement, or enforce the absolute 

priority for the Upward Bound Program published by the Department of Education in the Federal 

Register on September 22, 2006 (71 Fed. Reg. 55447 et seq.). This subsection shall not be 

applied retroactively. In implementing this subsection, the Department shall allow the programs 

and participants chosen in the grant cycle to which the priority applies to continue their grants 

and participation without a further recompetition. The entities shall not be required to apply the 

absolute priority conditions or restrictions to future participants.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §402C, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 

106 Stat. 487; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(10), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2459; Pub. L. 

105–244, title IV, §402(c), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1654; Pub. L. 110–84, title I, §103, Sept. 27, 

2007, 121 Stat. 786; Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §403(c), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3199.)
AMENDMENTS

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(c)(1), added subsec. (b) and struck out former 

subsec. (b) which related to permissible services.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(c)(2), substituted “Additional required services for 

multiple-year grant recipients” for “Required services” in heading and “project assisted under 

this section” for “upward bound project assisted under this division” in text.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(c)(4), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) 

redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(c)(3), (5)(A), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e) and 

substituted “projects under this section” for “upward bound projects under this division” in 

introductory provisions. Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(c)(5)(B), substituted “low-income individuals, first 

generation college students, or students who have a high risk for academic failure;” for “either 

low-income individuals or first generation college students;”.

Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(c)(5)(C)–(E), added par. (5).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(c)(3), (6), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f) and substituted 

“during the summer school recess, for a period not to exceed three months” for “during June, 

July, and August” in two places, and “subsection (d)(5)” for “subsection (b)(10)”. Former subsec. 

(f) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(c)(3), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(c)(7), added subsec. (h).

2007—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–84 added subsec. (f).

1998—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(c)(1)(A), substituted “counseling and 

workshops” for “personal counseling”.

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(c)(1)(B), inserted “or counselors” after “teachers” and 

struck out “and” after semicolon.

Subsec. (b)(10), (11). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(c)(1)(D), added pars. (10) and (11). Former par. 

(10) redesignated (12).

Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(c)(1)(E), substituted “(11)” for “(9)”.

Pub. L. 105–244, §402(c)(1)(C), redesignated par. (10) as (12).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(c)(2), substituted “except that youth participating in a 

work-study position under subsection (b)(10) of this section may be paid a stipend of $300 per 

month during June, July, and August. Youths participating in a project proposed to be carried 

out under any application may be paid stipends not in excess of $40 per month during the 

remaining period of the year.” for “and not in excess of $40 per month during the remaining 

period of the year.”

1993—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–208 substituted “foreign” for “and foreign”.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2007 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–84 effective Oct. 1, 2007, see section 1(c) of Pub. L. 110–84, set 

out as a note under section 1070a of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. 

L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1993 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–208 effective as if included in the Higher Education Amendments 

of 1992, Pub. L. 102–325, except as otherwise provided, see section 5(a) of Pub. L. 103–208, 

set out as a note under section 1051 of this title.

§1070a–14. Student support services

(a) Program authority

The Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as student support services which shall 

be designed—

(1) to increase college retention and graduation rates for eligible students;

(2) to increase the transfer rates of eligible students from 2-year to 4-year 

institutions;

(3) to foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of students who are 

limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented 

in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless 

children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42), students 

who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other 

disconnected students; and

(4) to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students, including—

(A) basic personal income, household money management, and financial 

planning skills; and

(B) basic economic decisionmaking skills.

(b) Required services

A project assisted under this section shall provide—

(1) academic tutoring, directly or through other services provided by the institution, 

to enable students to complete postsecondary courses, which may include instruction 

in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects;

(2) advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection;

(3)(A) information on both the full range of Federal student financial aid programs 

and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and 

resources for locating public and private scholarships; and

(B) assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free 

Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 1090(a) of this title;

(4) education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and 

economic literacy of students, including financial planning for postsecondary 

education;

(5) activities designed to assist students participating in the project in applying for 

admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in, graduate and 

professional programs; and

(6) activities designed to assist students enrolled in two-year institutions of higher 

education in applying for admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for 

enrollment in, a four-year program of postsecondary education.

(c) Permissible services
A project assisted under this section may provide services such as—

(1) individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic matters provided 

by assigned counselors;

(2) information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint students 

participating in the project with the range of career options available to the students;

(3) exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to 

disadvantaged students;

(4) mentoring programs involving faculty or upper class students, or a combination 

thereof;

(5) securing temporary housing during breaks in the academic year for—

(A) students who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in 

section 11434a of title 42) or were formerly homeless children and youths; and

(B) students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system; 

and

(6) programs and activities as described in subsection (b) or paragraphs (1) 

through (4) of this subsection that are specially designed for students who are limited 

English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in 

postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless 

children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42), students 

who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other 

disconnected students.

(d) Special rule

(1) Use for student aid

A recipient of a grant that undertakes any of the permissible services identified in 

subsection (c) may, in addition, use such funds to provide grant aid to students. A 

grant provided under this paragraph shall not exceed the Federal Pell Grant amount, 

determined under section 1070a(b)(2)(A) of this title, for which a student is eligible, or 

be less than the minimum Federal Pell Grant amount described in section 

1070a(b)(4) of this title, for the current academic year. In making grants to students 

under this subsection, an institution shall ensure that adequate consultation takes 

place between the student support service program office and the institution's 

financial aid office.

(2) Eligible students

For purposes of receiving grant aid under this subsection, eligible students shall be 

current participants in the student support services program offered by the institution 

and be—

(A) students who are in their first 2 years of postsecondary education and who 

are receiving Federal Pell Grants under subpart 1 of part A of this subchapter; or

(B) students who have completed their first 2 years of postsecondary education 

and who are receiving Federal Pell Grants under subpart 1 of part A of this 

subchapter if the institution demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that—

(i) these students are at high risk of dropping out; and

(ii) it will first meet the needs of all its eligible first- and second-year students 

for services under this paragraph.

(3) Determination of need

A grant provided to a student under paragraph (1) shall not be considered in 

determining that student's need for grant or work assistance under this subchapter 

and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42, except that in no case shall the 
total amount of student financial assistance awarded to a student under this 

subchapter exceed that student's cost of attendance, as defined in section 1087ll of

this title.

(4) Matching required

A recipient of a grant who uses such funds for the purpose described in paragraph 

(1) shall match the funds used for such purpose, in cash, from non-Federal funds, in 

an amount that is not less than 33 percent of the total amount of funds used for that 

purpose. This paragraph shall not apply to any grant recipient that is an institution of 

higher education eligible to receive funds under part A or B of subchapter III or 

subchapter V of this chapter.

(5) Reservation

In no event may a recipient use more than 20 percent of the funds received under 

this section for grant aid.

(6) Supplement, not supplant

Funds received by a grant recipient that are used under this subsection shall be 

used to supplement, and not supplant, non-Federal funds expended for student 

support services programs.

(e) Requirements for approval of applications

In approving applications for projects under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary 

shall—

(1) require an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the persons participating in 

the project proposed to be carried out under any application—

(A) be individuals with disabilities; or

(B) be low-income individuals who are first generation college students;

(2) require an assurance that the remaining students participating in the project 

proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income individuals, first 

generation college students, or individuals with disabilities;

(3) require an assurance that not less than one-third of the individuals with 

disabilities participating in the project be low-income individuals;

(4) require that there be a determination by the institution, with respect to each 

participant in such project, that the participant has a need for academic support in 

order to pursue successfully a program of education beyond secondary school;

(5) require that such participants be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the 

institution which is the recipient of the grant or contract; and

(6) consider, in addition to such other criteria as the Secretary may prescribe, the 

institution's effort, and where applicable past history, in—

(A) providing sufficient financial assistance to meet the full financial need of each 

student in the project; and

(B) maintaining the loan burden of each such student at a manageable level.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §402D, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 

106 Stat. 488; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(11), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2459; Pub. L. 

105–244, title IV, §402(d), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1655; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(1) [title III, 

§317(a)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–48; Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §403(d), Aug. 14, 

2008, 122 Stat. 3201; Pub. L. 111–152, title II, §2101(b)(2), Mar. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 1073.)

AMENDMENTS

2010—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 111–152 substituted “exceed the Federal Pell Grant amount, 

determined under section 1070a(b)(2)(A) of this title, for which a student is eligible, or be less 
than the minimum Federal Pell Grant amount described in section 1070a(b)(4) of this title, for” 

for “exceed the maximum appropriated Pell Grant or, be less than the minimum appropriated 

Pell Grant, for”.

2008—Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(d)(1), added pars. (3) and (4) and struck 

out former par. (3) which read as follows: “to foster an institutional climate supportive of the 

success of low-income and first generation college students and individuals with disabilities.”

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(d)(3), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. 

(b) which related to permissible services.

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(d)(2), (3), added subsec. (c) and redesignated 

former subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(d)(4), substituted “subsection (c)” for “subsection (b)”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(d)(2), (5), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e) and 

substituted “projects under this section” for “student support services projects under this 

division” in introductory provisions.

2000—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 106–554 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former 

subsec. (c) as (d).

1998—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 105–244 amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. 

(6) read as follows: “require an assurance from the institution which is the recipient of the grant 

or contract that each student enrolled in the project will be offered sufficient financial assistance 

to meet that student's full financial need.”

1993—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103–208 struck out “either” after “application”.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2010 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–152 effective July 1, 2010, see section 2101(c) of Pub. L. 111–

152, set out as a note under section 1070a of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2000 AMENDMENT

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(1) [title III, §317(b)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–49, 

provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply 

with respect to student support services grants awarded on or after the date of enactment of this 

Act [Dec. 21, 2000].”

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. 

L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1993 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–208 effective as if included in the Higher Education Amendments 

of 1992, Pub. L. 102–325, except as otherwise provided, see section 5(a) of Pub. L. 103–208, 

set out as a note under section 1051 of this title.

§1070a–15. Postbaccalaureate achievement program authority

(a) Program authority

The Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as the “Ronald E. McNair 

Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program” that shall be designed to provide disadvantaged 

college students with effective preparation for doctoral study.
(b) Required services

A project assisted under this section shall provide—

(1) opportunities for research or other scholarly activities at the institution or at 

graduate centers designed to provide students with effective preparation for doctoral 

study;

(2) summer internships;

(3) seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for 

doctoral study;

(4) tutoring;

(5) academic counseling; and

(6) activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing 

admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs.

(c) Permissible services

A project assisted under this section may provide services such as—

(1) education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and 

economic literacy of students, including financial planning for postsecondary 

education;

(2) mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher 

education, students, or any combination of such persons; and

(3) exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to 

disadvantaged students.

(d) Requirements

In approving applications for projects assisted under this section for any fiscal year, the 

Secretary shall require—

(1) an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the individuals participating in the 

project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income individuals 

who are first generation college students;

(2) an assurance that the remaining persons participating in the project proposed 

to be carried out be from a group that is underrepresented in graduate education, 

including—

(A) Alaska Natives, as defined in section 7546 of this title;

(B) Native Hawaiians, as defined in section 7517 of this title; and

(C) Native American Pacific Islanders, as defined in section 1059g of this title;

(3) an assurance that participants be enrolled in a degree program at an eligible 

institution having an agreement with the Secretary in accordance with the provisions 

of section 1094 of this title; and

(4) an assurance that participants in summer research internships have completed 

their sophomore year in postsecondary education.

(e) Award considerations

In addition to such other selection criteria as may be prescribed by regulations, the Secretary 

shall consider in making awards to institutions under this section—

(1) the quality of research and other scholarly activities in which students will be 

involved;

(2) the level of faculty involvement in the project and the description of the research 

in which students will be involved; and

(3) the institution's plan for identifying and recruiting participants including students 

enrolled in projects authorized under this section.
(f) Maximum stipends

Students participating in research under a project under this section may receive an award 

that—

(1) shall include a stipend not to exceed $2,800 per annum; and

(2) may include, in addition, the costs of summer tuition, summer room and board, 

and transportation to summer programs.

(g) Funding

From amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of section 1070a–11(g) of this title, the 

Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, allocate funds for projects authorized by this section in 

an amount which is not less than $11,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2014.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §402E, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 

106 Stat. 489; amended Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §402(e), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1655; Pub. L. 

110–315, title IV, §403(e), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3203; Pub. L. 111–39, title IV, §401(a)(5), 

July 1, 2009, 123 Stat. 1938.)

AMENDMENTS

2009—Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 111–39 struck out period before semicolon at end.

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(e)(1)(A), (B), inserted “Required” before 

“services” in heading and, in introductory provisions, substituted “A project assisted under this 

section shall provide—” for “A postbaccalaureate achievement project assisted under this 

section may provide services such as—”.

Subsec. (b)(5) to (8). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(e)(1)(C)–(E), inserted “and” after the semicolon 

in par. (5), substituted a period for the semicolon in par. (6), and struck out pars. (7) and (8) 

which read as follows:

“(7) mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education, 

students, or any combination of such persons; and

“(8) exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to 

disadvantaged students.”

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(e)(3), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) 

redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(e)(2), (4)(A), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d) and struck 

out “postbaccalaureate achievement” after “applications for” in introductory provisions. Former 

subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(e)(4)(B), inserted “, including—” and added subpars. 

(A) to (C) before semicolon.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(e)(2), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. 

(e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(e)(2), (5), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f) and substituted 

“project under this section” for “postbaccalaureate achievement project” in introductory 

provisions. Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(e)(2), (6), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g) and substituted 

“section 1070a–11(g)” for “section 1070a–11(f)” and “2009 through 2014” for “1993 through 

1997”.
1998—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 105–244 substituted “$2,800” for “$2,400”.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2009 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–39 effective as if enacted on the date of enactment of Pub. L. 

110–315 (Aug. 14, 2008), see section 3 of Pub. L. 111–39, set out as a note under section 1001 

of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. 

L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

§1070a–16. Educational opportunity centers

(a) Program authority; services provided

The Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as educational opportunity centers 

which shall be designed—

(1) to provide information with respect to financial and academic assistance 

available for individuals desiring to pursue a program of postsecondary education;

(2) to provide assistance to such persons in applying for admission to institutions at 

which a program of postsecondary education is offered, including preparing 

necessary applications for use by admissions and financial aid officers; and

(3) to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students, including—

(A) basic personal income, household money management, and financial 

planning skills; and

(B) basic economic decisionmaking skills.

(b) Permissible services

An educational opportunity center assisted under this section may provide services such as—

(1) public information campaigns designed to inform the community regarding 

opportunities for postsecondary education and training;

(2) academic advice and assistance in course selection;

(3) assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications;

(4) assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations;

(5) education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and 

economic literacy of students;

(6) guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to a general educational 

development (GED) program or other alternative education programs for secondary 

school dropouts;

(7) individualized personal, career, and academic counseling;

(8) tutorial services;

(9) career workshops and counseling;

(10) mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, 

faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of 

such persons; and

(11) programs and activities as described in paragraphs (1) through (10) that are 

specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from 

groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students 

with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths (as such term is 

defined in section 11434a of title 42), students who are in foster care or are aging out 

of the foster care system, or other disconnected students.

(c) Requirements for approval of applications
In approving applications for educational opportunity centers under this section for any fiscal 

year the Secretary shall—

(1) require an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the persons participating in 

the project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income 

individuals who are first generation college students;

(2) require that such participants be persons who are at least nineteen years of 

age, unless the imposition of such limitation with respect to any person would defeat 

the purposes of this section or the purposes of section 1070a–12 of this title; and

(3) require an assurance that individuals participating in the project proposed in the 

application do not have access to services from another project funded under this 

section or under section 1070a–12 of this title.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §402F, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 

106 Stat. 490; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §403(f), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3203.)

AMENDMENTS

2008—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(f)(1), added par. (3).

Subsec. (b)(5), (6). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(f)(2)(A), (B), added par. (5) and redesignated 

former par. (5) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(f)(2)(C), added par. (7) and struck out former par. (7) 

which read as follows: “personal counseling;”.

Pub. L. 110–315, §403(f)(2)(A), redesignated former par. (6) as (7). Former par. (7) 

redesignated (8).

Subsec. (b)(8) to (10). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(f)(2)(A), redesignated pars. (7) to (9) as (8) to 

(10), respectively. Former par. (10) redesignated (11).

Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(f)(2)(D), added par. (11) and struck out former par. 

(11) which read as follows: “programs and activities as described in paragraphs (1) through (9) 

which are specially designed for students of limited English proficiency.”

Pub. L. 110–315, §403(f)(2)(A), redesignated par. (10) as (11).

§1070a–17. Staff development activities

(a) Secretary's authority

For the purpose of improving the operation of the programs and projects authorized by this 

division, the Secretary is authorized to make grants to institutions of higher education and other 

public and private nonprofit institutions and organizations to provide training for staff and 

leadership personnel employed in, participating in, or preparing for employment in, such 

programs and projects.

(b) Contents of training programs

Such training shall include conferences, internships, seminars, workshops, and the 

publication of manuals designed to improve the operation of such programs and projects and 

shall be carried out in the various regions of the Nation in order to ensure that the training 

opportunities are appropriate to meet the needs in the local areas being served by such 

programs and projects. Such training shall be offered annually for new directors of projects 

funded under this division as well as annually on the following topics and other topics chosen by 

the Secretary:

(1) Legislative and regulatory requirements for the operation of programs funded 

under this division.
(2) Assisting students in receiving adequate financial aid from programs assisted 

under this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42 and other 

programs.

(3) The design and operation of model programs for projects funded under this 

division.

(4) The use of appropriate educational technology in the operation of projects 

assisted under this division.

(5) Strategies for recruiting and serving hard to reach populations, including 

students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally 

underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students 

who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of 

title 42), students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or 

other disconnected students.

(c) Consultation

Grants for the purposes of this section shall be made only after consultation with regional and 

State professional associations of persons having special knowledge with respect to the needs 

and problems of such programs and projects.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §402G, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 

106 Stat. 491; amended Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §402(f), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1655; Pub. L. 

110–315, title IV, §403(g), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3204.)

AMENDMENTS

2008—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 110–315 added par. (5).

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(f)(1), inserted “participating in,” after “leadership 

personnel employed in,”.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105–244, §402(f)(2), added par. (4).

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. 

L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

§1070a–18. Reports, evaluations, and grants for project improvement and 

dissemination

(a) Reports to the authorizing committees

(1) In general

The Secretary shall submit annually, to the authorizing committees, a report that 

documents the performance of all programs funded under this division. Such report 

shall—

(A) be submitted not later than 12 months after the eligible entities receiving 

funds under this division are required to report their performance to the Secretary;

(B) focus on the programs’ performance on the relevant outcome criteria 

determined under section 1070a–11(f)(4) of this title;

(C) aggregate individual project performance data on the outcome criteria in 

order to provide national performance data for each program;

(D) include, when appropriate, descriptive data, multi-year data, and multi-cohort 

data; and

(E) include comparable data on the performance nationally of low-income 

students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.
(2) Information

The Secretary shall provide, with each report submitted under paragraph (1), 

information on the impact of the secondary review process described in section 

1070a–11(c)(8)(C)(iv) of this title, including the number and type of secondary 

reviews, the disposition of the secondary reviews, the effect on timing of awards, and 

any other information the Secretary determines is necessary.

(b) Evaluations

(1) In general

(A) Authorization of grants and contracts

For the purpose of improving the effectiveness of the programs and projects 

assisted under this division, the Secretary shall make grants to, or enter into 

contracts with, institutions of higher education and other public and private 

institutions and organizations to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of the 

programs and projects assisted under this division, including a rigorous evaluation 

of the programs and projects assisted under section 1070a–13 of this title. The 

evaluation of the programs and projects assisted under section 1070a–13 of this 

title shall be implemented not later than June 30, 2010.

(B) Content of upward bound evaluation

The evaluation of the programs and projects assisted under section 1070a–13 of 

this title that is described in subparagraph (A) shall examine the characteristics of 

the students who benefit most from the Upward Bound program under section 

1070a–13 of this title and the characteristics of the programs and projects that 

most benefit students.

(C) Implementation

Each evaluation described in this paragraph shall be implemented in accordance 

with the requirements of this section.

(2) Practices

(A) In general

The evaluations described in paragraph (1) shall identify institutional, 

community, and program or project practices that are effective in—

(i) enhancing the access of low-income individuals and first-generation college 

students to postsecondary education;

(ii) the preparation of such individuals and students for postsecondary 

education; and

(iii) fostering the success of the individuals and students in postsecondary 

education.

(B) Primary purpose

Any evaluation conducted under this division shall have as the evaluation's 

primary purpose the identification of particular practices that further the 

achievement of the outcome criteria determined under section 1070a–11(f)(4) of 

this title.

(C) Dissemination and use of evaluation findings

The Secretary shall disseminate to eligible entities and make available to the 

public the practices identified under subparagraph (B). The practices may be used 

by eligible entities that receive assistance under this division after the 

dissemination.
(3) Special rule related to evaluation participation

The Secretary shall not require an eligible entity, as a condition for receiving, or 

that receives, assistance under any program or project under this division to 

participate in an evaluation under this section that—

(A) requires the eligible entity to recruit additional students beyond those the 

program or project would normally recruit; or

(B) results in the denial of services for an eligible student under the program or 

project.

(4) Consideration

When designing an evaluation under this subsection, the Secretary shall continue 

to consider—

(A) the burden placed on the program participants or the eligible entity; and

(B) whether the evaluation meets generally accepted standards of institutional 

review boards.

(c) Grants

The Secretary may award grants to institutions of higher education or other private and public 

institutions and organizations, that are carrying out a program or project assisted under this 

division prior to October 7, 1998, to enable the institutions and organizations to expand and 

leverage the success of such programs or projects by working in partnership with other 

institutions, community-based organizations, or combinations of such institutions and 

organizations, that are not receiving assistance under this division and are serving low-income 

students and first generation college students, in order to—

(1) disseminate and replicate best practices of programs or projects assisted under 

this division; and

(2) provide technical assistance regarding programs and projects assisted under 

this division.

(d) Results

In order to improve overall program or project effectiveness, the results of evaluations and 

grants described in this section shall be disseminated by the Secretary to similar programs or 

projects assisted under this subpart, as well as other individuals concerned with postsecondary 

access for and retention of low-income individuals and first-generation college students.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §402H, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 

106 Stat. 491; amended Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §402(g), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1655; Pub. L. 

110–315, title IV, §403(h), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3204.)

AMENDMENTS

2008—Pub. L. 110–315, §403(h)(1), substituted “Reports, evaluations, and grants for project

improvement and dissemination” for “Evaluations and grants for project improvement and 

dissemination partnership projects” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(h)(3), added subsec. (a). Former subsec. (a) 

redesignated (b).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(h)(2), (4), redesignated subsec. (a) as (b), added pars. 

(1) to (4), and struck out former pars. (1) and (2) which read as follows:

“(1) In general.—For the purpose of improving the effectiveness of the programs and projects 

assisted under this division, the Secretary may make grants to or enter into contracts with 

institutions of higher education and other public and private institutions and organizations to 

evaluate the effectiveness of the programs and projects assisted under this division.
“(2) Practices.—The evaluations described in paragraph (1) shall identify institutional, 

community, and program or project practices that are particularly effective in enhancing the 

access of low-income individuals and first-generation college students to postsecondary 

education, the preparation of the individuals and students for postsecondary education, and the 

success of the individuals and students in postsecondary education. Such evaluations shall also 

investigate the effectiveness of alternative and innovative methods within Federal TRIO 

programs of increasing access to, and retention of, students in postsecondary education.”

Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 110–315, §403(h)(2), redesignated subsecs. (b) and (c) as (c) and 

(d), respectively.

1998—Pub. L. 105–244 amended section generally, revising and restating former subsecs. 

(a) to (c) relating to evaluation for project improvement.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. 

L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.
Division 2—Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate 

Programs

CODIFICATION

Chapter 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, comprising 

this division, was originally added to Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, by Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 492, and amended by Pub. L. 103–208, Dec. 20, 1993, 107 

Stat. 2457; Pub. L. 103–382, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3518; Pub. L. 104–193, Aug. 22, 1996, 

110 Stat. 2105. Chapter 2 is shown herein, however, as having been added by Pub. L. 105–

244, title IV, §403, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1656, without reference to those intervening 

amendments because of the extensive revision of chapter 2 by Pub. L. 105–244.

§1070a–21. Early intervention and college awareness program authorized

(a) Program authorized

The Secretary is authorized, in accordance with the requirements of this division, to establish 

a program that encourages eligible entities to provide support, and maintain a commitment, to 

eligible low-income students, including students with disabilities, to assist the students in 

obtaining a secondary school diploma (or its recognized equivalent) and to prepare for and 

succeed in postsecondary education, by providing—

(1) financial assistance, academic support, additional counseling, mentoring, 

outreach, and supportive services to secondary school students, including students 

with disabilities, to reduce—

(A) the risk of such students dropping out of school; or

(B) the need for remedial education for such students at the postsecondary 

level; and

(2) information to students and their families about the advantages of obtaining a 

postsecondary education and, college financing options for the students and their 

families.

(b) Awards

(1) In general

From funds appropriated under section 1070a–28 of this title for each fiscal year, 

the Secretary shall make awards to eligible entities described in paragraphs (1) and 

(2) of subsection (c) of this section to enable the entities to carry out the program 

authorized under subsection (a) of this section.

(2) Award period

The Secretary may award a grant under this division to an eligible entity described 

in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) for—

(A) six years; or

(B) in the case of an eligible entity that applies for a grant under this division for 

seven years to enable the eligible entity to provide services to a student through 

the student's first year of attendance at an institution of higher education, seven 

years.

(3) Priority

In making awards to eligible entities described in subsection (c)(1), the Secretary 

shall—

(A) give priority to eligible entities that—
(i) on the day before August 14, 2008, carried out successful educational 

opportunity programs under this division (as this division was in effect on such 

day); and

(ii) have a prior, demonstrated commitment to early intervention leading to 

college access through collaboration and replication of successful strategies; 

and

(B) ensure that students served under this division on the day before August 14, 

2008, continue to receive assistance through the completion of secondary school.

(c) “Eligible entity” defined

For the purposes of this division, the term “eligible entity” means—

(1) a State; or

(2) a partnership—

(A) consisting of—

(i) one or more local educational agencies; and

(ii) one or more degree granting institutions of higher education; and

(B) which may include not less than two other community organizations or 

entities, such as businesses, professional organizations, State agencies, 

institutions or agencies sponsoring programs authorized under subpart 4, or other 

public or private agencies or organizations.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404A, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §403, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 

Stat. 1656; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §404(a), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3206.)

PRIOR PROVISIONS

A prior section 1070a–21, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404A, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 492; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(12), Dec. 20, 1993, 

107 Stat. 2459, authorized establishment of early intervention program, prior to the general 

amendment of this division by Pub. L. 105–244.

AMENDMENTS

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(a)(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former 

subsec. (a). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Secretary is authorized, in 

accordance with the requirements of this division, to establish a program that—

“(1) encourages eligible entities to provide or maintain a guarantee to eligible 

low-income students who obtain a secondary school diploma (or its recognized 

equivalent), of the financial assistance necessary to permit the students to attend an 

institution of higher education; and

“(2) supports eligible entities in providing—

“(A) additional counseling, mentoring, academic support, outreach, and 

supportive services to elementary school, middle school, and secondary school 

students who are at risk of dropping out of school; and

“(B) information to students and their parents about the advantages of 

obtaining a postsecondary education and the college financing options for the 

students and their parents.”

Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(a)(2), added pars. (2) and (3) and struck out 

former par. (2) which related to priority in making awards to eligible entities.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(a)(3), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2). 

Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “a partnership consisting of—

“(A) one or more local educational agencies acting on behalf of—

“(i) one or more elementary schools or secondary schools; and

“(ii) the secondary schools that students from the schools described in 

clause (i) would normally attend;

“(B) one or more degree granting institutions of higher education; and

“(C) at least two community organizations or entities, such as businesses, 

professional associations, community-based organizations, philanthropic 

organizations, State agencies, institutions or agencies sponsoring programs 

authorized under subpart 4 of this part, or other public or private agencies or 

organizations.”

EFFECTIVE DATE

Division effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 

3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1001 

of this title.

EVALUATION OF TUITION GUARANTY PROGRAMS

Pub. L. 102–325, title XIV, §1407, July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 819, directed Secretary of 

Education to conduct study of effectiveness of programs for disadvantaged children that 

promise the child financial resources needed to pursue postsecondary education in exchange 

for child's commitment to achieve satisfactory elementary and secondary education, and to 

submit reports regarding study by June 30, 1996, and by Jan. 1, 1997, to committees of 

Congress, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–332, §6(b)(2), Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3128.

§1070a–22. Requirements

(a) Funding rules

In awarding grants from the amount appropriated under section 1070a–28 of this title for a 

fiscal year, the Secretary shall make available—

(1) to eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title, not less than 

33 percent of such amount;

(2) to eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title, not less than 

33 percent of such amount; and

(3) to eligible entities described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1070a–21(c) of 

this title, the remainder of such amount taking into consideration the number, quality, 

and promise of the applications for the grants, and, to the extent practicable—

(A) the geographic distribution of such grant awards; and

(B) the distribution of such grant awards between urban and rural applicants.

(b) Coordination

Each eligible entity shall ensure that the activities assisted under this division are, to the 

extent practicable, coordinated with, and complement and enhance—

(1) services under this division provided by other eligible entities serving the same 

school district or State; and

(2) related services under other Federal or non-Federal programs.

(c) Designation of fiscal agent

An eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title shall designate an institution 

of higher education or a local educational agency as the fiscal agent for the eligible entity.
(d) Cohort approach

(1) In general

The Secretary shall require that eligible entities described in section 1070a–

21(c)(2) of this title—

(A) provide services under this division to at least one grade level of students, 

beginning not later than 7th grade, in a participating school that has a 7th grade 

and in which at least 50 percent of the students enrolled are eligible for free or 

reduced-price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act [42 

U.S.C. 1751 et seq.] (or, if an eligible entity determines that it would promote the 

effectiveness of a program, an entire grade level of students, beginning not later 

than the 7th grade, who reside in public housing as defined in section 1437a(b)(1) 

of title 42);

(B) ensure that the services are provided through the 12th grade to students in 

the participating grade level and provide the option of continued services through 

the student's first year of attendance at an institution of higher education to the 

extent the provision of such services was described in the eligible entity's 

application for assistance under this division; and

(C) provide services under this division to students who have received services 

under a previous GEAR UP grant award but have not yet completed the 12th 

grade.

(2) Coordination requirement

In order for the Secretary to require the cohort approach described in paragraph 

(1), the Secretary shall, where applicable, ensure that the cohort approach is done in 

coordination and collaboration with existing early intervention programs and does not 

duplicate the services already provided to a school or community.

(e) Supplement, not supplant

Grant funds awarded under this division shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other 

Federal, State, and local funds that would otherwise be expended to carry out activities assisted 

under this division.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404B, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §403, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 

Stat. 1657; amended Pub. L. 106–78, title VII, §752(b)(8), Oct. 22, 1999, 113 Stat. 1169; Pub. L. 

110–315, title IV, §404(b), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3207.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT

The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(A), is act 

June 4, 1946, ch. 281, 60 Stat. 230, which is classified generally to chapter 13 (§1751 et seq.) 

of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, 

see Short Title note set out under section 1751 of Title 42 and Tables.

PRIOR PROVISIONS

A prior section 1070a–22, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404B, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 492; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(13), (14), Dec. 20, 

1993, 107 Stat. 2459, related to State eligibility and State plan, prior to the general amendment 

of this division by Pub. L. 105–244.

AMENDMENTS

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(b)(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former 

subsec. (a) which related to funding rules.
Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(b)(2), (3), redesignated subsecs. (c) and (d) as (b) 

and (c), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (b). Text read as follows: “Each eligible 

entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title, and each eligible entity described in 

section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title that conducts a scholarship component under section 

1070a–25 of this title, shall use not less than 25 percent and not more than 50 percent of grant 

funds received under this division for the early intervention component of an eligible entity's 

program under this division, except that the Secretary may waive the 50 percent limitation if the 

eligible entity demonstrates that the eligible entity has another means of providing the students 

with financial assistance that is described in the plan submitted under section 1070a–23 of this 

title.”

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(b)(3), redesignated subsec. (g) as (d). Former subsec. 

(d) redesignated (c).

Subsec. (d)(1)(B), (C). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(b)(4), inserted “and provide the option of 

continued services through the student's first year of attendance at an institution of higher 

education to the extent the provision of such services was described in the eligible entity's 

application for assistance under this division” after “grade level” in par. (B) and added par. (C).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(b)(2), (5), added subsec. (e) and struck out former 

subsec. (e). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “An eligible entity described in section 

1070a–21(c)(2) of this title shall have a full-time program coordinator or a part-time program 

coordinator, whose primary responsibility is a project under section 1070a–23 of this title.”

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(b)(2), struck out subsec. (f). Text read as follows: “An 

eligible entity described in 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title shall ensure that the activities assisted 

under this division will not displace an employee or eliminate a position at a school assisted 

under this division, including a partial displacement such as a reduction in hours, wages or 

employment benefits.”

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(b)(3), redesignated subsec. (g) as (d).

1999—Subsec. (g)(1)(A). Pub. L. 106–78 substituted “Richard B. Russell National School 

Lunch Act” for “National School Lunch Act”.

§1070a–23. Applications

(a) Application required for eligibility

(1) In general

In order for an eligible entity to qualify for a grant under this division, the eligible 

entity shall submit to the Secretary an application for carrying out the program under 

this division.

(2) Contents

Each application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be in such form, contain 

or be accompanied by such information or assurances, and be submitted at such time 

as the Secretary may reasonably require. Each such application shall, at a 

minimum—

(A) describe the activities for which assistance under this division is sought, 

including how the eligible entity will carry out the required activities described in 

section 1070a–24(a) of this title;

(B) describe, in the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) 

of this title that chooses to provide scholarships, or an eligible entity described in 
section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title, how the eligible entity will meet the 

requirements of section 1070a–25 of this title;

(C) describe, in the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) 

of this title that requests a reduced match percentage under subsection (b)(2), how 

such reduction will assist the entity to provide the scholarships described in 

subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii);

(D) provide assurances that adequate administrative and support staff will be 

responsible for coordinating the activities described in section 1070a–24 of this 

title;

(E) provide assurances that activities assisted under this division will not 

displace an employee or eliminate a position at a school assisted under this 

division, including a partial displacement such as a reduction in hours, wages, or 

employment benefits;

(F) describe, in the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) 

of this title that chooses to use a cohort approach, or an eligible entity described in 

section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title, how the eligible entity will define the cohorts of 

the students served by the eligible entity pursuant to section 1070a–22(d) of this 

title, and how the eligible entity will serve the cohorts through grade 12, including—

(i) how vacancies in the program under this division will be filled; and

(ii) how the eligible entity will serve students attending different secondary 

schools;

(G) describe how the eligible entity will coordinate programs under this division 

with other existing Federal, State, or local programs to avoid duplication and 

maximize the number of students served;

(H) provide such additional assurances as the Secretary determines necessary 

to ensure compliance with the requirements of this division;

(I) provide information about the activities that will be carried out by the eligible 

entity to support systemic changes from which future cohorts of students will 

benefit; and

(J) describe the sources of matching funds that will enable the eligible entity to 

meet the matching requirement described in subsection (b).

(b) Matching requirement

(1) In general

The Secretary shall not approve an application submitted under subsection (a) 

unless such application—

(A) provides that the eligible entity will provide, from State, local, institutional, or 

private funds, not less than 50 percent of the cost of the program, which matching 

funds may be provided in cash or in kind and may be accrued over the full duration 

of the grant award period, except that the eligible entity shall make substantial 

progress towards meeting the matching requirement in each year of the grant 

award period;

(B) specifies the methods by which matching funds will be paid; and

(C) includes provisions designed to ensure that funds provided under this 

division shall supplement and not supplant funds expended for existing programs.

(2) Special rule

Notwithstanding the matching requirement described in paragraph (1)(A), the 

Secretary may by regulation modify the percentage requirement described in 

paragraph (1)(A) for eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title. 
The Secretary may approve an eligible entity's request for a reduced match 

percentage—

(A) at the time of application—

(i) if the eligible entity demonstrates significant economic hardship that 

precludes the eligible entity from meeting the matching requirement; or

(ii) if the eligible entity is described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title and 

requests that contributions to the eligible entity's scholarship fund established 

under section 1070a–25 of this title be matched on a two to one basis; or

(B) in response to a petition by an eligible entity subsequent to a grant award 

under this section if the eligible entity demonstrates that the matching funds 

described in its application are no longer available and the eligible entity has 

exhausted all revenues for replacing such matching funds.

(c) Methods for complying with matching requirement

An eligible entity may count toward the matching requirement described in subsection 

(b)(1)(A)—

(1) the amount of the financial assistance obligated to students from State, local, 

institutional, or private funds under this division, including pre-existing non-Federal 

financial assistance programs, including—

(A) the amount contributed to a student scholarship fund established under 

section 1070a–25 of this title; and

(B) the amount of the costs of administering the scholarship program under 

section 1070a–25 of this title;

(2) the amount of tuition, fees, room or board waived or reduced for recipients of 

financial assistance under this division;

(3) the amount expended on documented, targeted, long-term mentoring and 

counseling provided by volunteers or paid staff of nonschool organizations, including 

businesses, religious organizations, community groups, postsecondary educational 

institutions, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and other organizations; and

(4) other resources recognized by the Secretary, including equipment and supplies, 

cash contributions from non-Federal sources, transportation expenses, in-kind or 

discounted program services, indirect costs, and facility usage.

(d) Peer review panels

The Secretary shall convene peer review panels to assist in making determinations regarding 

the awarding of grants under this division.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404C, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §403, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 

Stat. 1658; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §404(c), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3208.)

PRIOR PROVISIONS

A prior section 1070a–23, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404C, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 493; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(15)–(17), Dec. 20, 

1993, 107 Stat. 2459; Pub. L. 104–193, title I, §110(h)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2172, related 

to early intervention, prior to the general amendment of this division by Pub. L. 105–244. See 

section 1070a–24 of this title.

AMENDMENTS

2008—Pub. L. 110–315, §404(c)(1), substituted “Applications” for “Eligible entity plans” in 

section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(c)(2)(A), substituted “Application” for “Plan” in heading.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(c)(2)(B), substituted “an application” for “a plan” and 

struck out at end “Such plan shall provide for the conduct of a scholarship component if required 

or undertaken pursuant to section 1070a–25 of this title and an early intervention component 

required pursuant to section 1070a–24 of this title.”

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(c)(2)(C), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2). 

Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Each plan submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall 

be in such form, contain or be accompanied by such information or assurances, and be 

submitted at such time as the Secretary may require by regulation. Each such plan shall—

“(A) describe the activities for which assistance under this division is sought; and

“(B) provide such additional assurances as the Secretary determines necessary 

to ensure compliance with the requirements of this division.”

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(c)(3)(A), substituted “an application” for “a plan” and 

“such application” for “such plan” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(c)(3)(B), which directed insertion of “and may be 

accrued over the full duration of the grant award period, except that the eligible entity shall make 

substantial progress towards meeting the matching requirement in each year of the grant award 

period” after “in cash or in-kind”, was executed by making the insertion after “in cash or in kind” 

to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(c)(3)(C), inserted at end “The Secretary may approve 

an eligible entity's request for a reduced match percentage—” and subpars. (A) and (B).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(c)(4)(A), substituted “obligated to students from State, 

local, institutional, or private funds under this division, including pre-existing non-Federal 

financial assistance programs, including—” and subpars. (A) and (B) for “paid to students from 

State, local, institutional, or private funds under this division;”.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(c)(4)(B)–(D), added par. (4).

§1070a–24. Activities

(a) Required activities

Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this division shall provide comprehensive 

mentoring, outreach, and supportive services to students participating in the programs under 

this division. Such activities shall include the following:

(1) Providing information regarding financial aid for postsecondary education to 

participating students in the cohort described in section 1070a–22(d)(1)(A) of this title 

or to priority students described in subsection (d).

(2) Encouraging student enrollment in rigorous and challenging curricula and 

coursework, in order to reduce the need for remedial coursework at the 

postsecondary level.

(3) Improving the number of participating students who—

(A) obtain a secondary school diploma; and

(B) complete applications for and enroll in a program of postsecondary 

education.
(4) In the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title, 

providing for the scholarships described in section 1070a–25 of this title.

(b) Permissible activities for States and partnerships

An eligible entity that receives a grant under this division may use grant funds to carry out 

one or more of the following activities:

(1) Providing tutors and mentors, who may include adults or former participants of 

a program under this division, for eligible students.

(2) Conducting outreach activities to recruit priority students described in 

subsection (d) to participate in program activities.

(3) Providing supportive services to eligible students.

(4) Supporting the development or implementation of rigorous academic curricula, 

which may include college preparatory, Advanced Placement, or International 

Baccalaureate programs, and providing participating students access to rigorous core 

academic courses that reflect challenging State academic standards.

(5) Supporting dual or concurrent enrollment programs between the secondary 

school and institution of higher education partners of an eligible entity described in 

section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title, and other activities that support participating 

students in—

(A) meeting challenging State academic standards;

(B) successfully applying for postsecondary education;

(C) successfully applying for student financial aid; and

(D) developing graduation and career plans.

(6) Providing special programs or tutoring in science, technology, engineering, or 

mathematics.

(7) In the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title, 

providing support for scholarships described in section 1070a–25 of this title.

(8) Introducing eligible students to institutions of higher education, through trips 

and school-based sessions.

(9) Providing an intensive extended school day, school year, or summer program 

that offers—

(A) additional academic classes; or

(B) assistance with college admission applications.

(10) Providing other activities designed to ensure secondary school completion and 

postsecondary education enrollment of at-risk children, such as—

(A) the identification of at-risk children;

(B) after-school and summer tutoring;

(C) assistance to at-risk children in obtaining summer jobs;

(D) academic counseling;

(E) financial literacy and economic literacy education or counseling;

(F) volunteer and parent involvement;

(G) encouraging former or current participants of a program under this division to 

serve as peer counselors;

(H) skills assessments;

(I) personal and family counseling, and home visits;

(J) staff development; and

(K) programs and activities described in this subsection that are specially 

designed for students who are limited English proficient.
(11) Enabling eligible students to enroll in Advanced Placement or International 

Baccalaureate courses, or college entrance examination preparation courses.

(12) Providing services to eligible students in the participating cohort described in 

section 1070a–22(d)(1)(A) of this title, through the first year of attendance at an 

institution of higher education.

(13) Fostering and improving parent and family involvement in elementary and 

secondary education by promoting the advantages of a college education, and 

emphasizing academic admission requirements and the need to take college 

preparation courses, through parent engagement and leadership activities.

(14) Disseminating information that promotes the importance of higher education, 

explains college preparation and admission requirements, and raises awareness of 

the resources and services provided by the eligible entities to eligible students, their 

families, and communities.

(15) In the event that matching funds described in the application are no longer 

available, engaging entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title in a 

collaborative manner to provide matching resources and participate in other activities 

authorized under this section.

(c) Additional permissible activities for States

In addition to the required activities described in subsection (a) and the permissible activities 

described in subsection (b), an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title 

receiving funds under this division may use grant funds to carry out one or more of the following 

activities:

(1) Providing technical assistance to—

(A) secondary schools that are located within the State; or

(B) partnerships described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title that are located 

within the State.

(2) Providing professional development opportunities to individuals working with 

eligible cohorts of students described in section 1070a–22(d)(1)(A) of this title.

(3) Providing administrative support to help build the capacity of eligible entities 

described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title to compete for and manage grants 

awarded under this division.

(4) Providing strategies and activities that align efforts in the State to prepare 

eligible students to attend and succeed in postsecondary education, which may 

include the development of graduation and career plans.

(5) Disseminating information on the use of scientifically valid research and best 

practices to improve services for eligible students.

(6)(A) Disseminating information on effective coursework and support services that 

assist students in obtaining the goals described in subparagraph (B)(ii).

(B) Identifying and disseminating information on best practices with respect to—

(i) increasing parental involvement; and

(ii) preparing students, including students with disabilities and students who are 

limited English proficient, to succeed academically in, and prepare financially for, 

postsecondary education.

(7) Working to align State academic standards and curricula with the expectations 

of postsecondary institutions and employers.

(8) Developing alternatives to traditional secondary school that give students a 

head start on attaining a recognized postsecondary credential (including an industryrecognized certificate, an apprenticeship, or an associate's or a bachelor's degree), 
including school designs that give students early exposure to college-level courses 

and experiences and allow students to earn transferable college credits or an 

associate's degree at the same time as a secondary school diploma.

(9) Creating community college programs for drop-outs that are personalized dropout recovery programs that allow drop-outs to complete a regular secondary school 

diploma and begin college-level work.

(d) Priority students

For eligible entities not using a cohort approach, the eligible entity shall treat as a priority 

student any student in secondary school who is—

(1) eligible to be counted under section 6333(c) of this title;

(2) eligible for assistance under a State program funded under part A or E of title IV 

of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 670 et seq.);

(3) eligible for assistance under subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento 

Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.); or

(4) otherwise considered by the eligible entity to be a disconnected student.

(e) Allowable providers

In the case of eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title, the activities 

required by this section may be provided by service providers such as community-based 

organizations, schools, institutions of higher education, public and private agencies, nonprofit 

and philanthropic organizations, businesses, institutions and agencies sponsoring programs 

authorized under subpart 4, and other organizations the State determines appropriate.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404D, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §403, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 

Stat. 1659; amended Pub. L. 106–78, title VII, §752(b)(8), Oct. 22, 1999, 113 Stat. 1169; Pub. L. 

110–315, title IV, §404(d), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3210.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 

620. Parts A and E of title IV of the Act are classified generally to parts A (§601 et seq.) and E 

(§670 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For 

complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(3), is Pub. L. 100–

77, July 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 482. Subtitle B of title VII of the Act is classified generally to part B 

(§11431 et seq.) of subchapter VI of chapter 119 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For 

complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 11301 

of Title 42 and Tables.

PRIOR PROVISIONS

A prior section 1070a–24, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404D, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 495; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(18), (19), Dec. 20, 

1993, 107 Stat. 2459, related to scholarship component, prior to the general amendment of this 

division by Pub. L. 105–244. See section 1070a–25 of this title.

AMENDMENTS

2008—Pub. L. 110–315 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section consisted 

of subsecs. (a) to (d) providing for services, use of funds, priority students, and allowable 

providers relating to early intervention.

1999—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 106–78 substituted “Richard B. Russell National School Lunch 

Act” for “National School Lunch Act”.
§1070a–25. Scholarship component

(a) In general

(1) States

In order to receive a grant under this division, an eligible entity described in section 

1070a–21(c)(1) of this title shall establish or maintain a financial assistance program 

that awards scholarships to students in accordance with the requirements of this 

section. The Secretary shall encourage the eligible entity to ensure that a scholarship 

provided pursuant to this section is available to an eligible student for use at any 

institution of higher education.

(2) Partnerships

An eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title may award 

scholarships to eligible students in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(b) Limitation

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), each eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) 

of this title that receives a grant under this division shall use not less than 25 percent 

and not more than 50 percent of the grant funds for activities described in section 

1070a–24 of this title (except for the activity described in subsection (a)(4) of such 

section), with the remainder of such funds to be used for a scholarship program under 

this section in accordance with such subsection.

(2) Exception

Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may allow an eligible entity to use 

more than 50 percent of grant funds received under this division for such activities, if 

the eligible entity demonstrates that the eligible entity has another means of providing 

the students with the financial assistance described in this section and describes 

such means in the application submitted under section 1070a–23 of this title.

(c) Notification of eligibility

Each eligible entity providing scholarships under this section shall provide information on the 

eligibility requirements for the scholarships to all participating students upon the students’ entry 

into the programs assisted under this division.

(d) Grant amounts

The maximum amount of a scholarship that an eligible student shall be eligible to receive 

under this section shall be established by the eligible entity. The minimum amount of the 

scholarship for each fiscal year shall not be less than the minimum Federal Pell Grant award 

under section 1070a of this title for such award year.

(e) Portability of assistance

(1) In general

Each eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title that receives a 

grant under this division shall hold in reserve, for the students served by such grant 

as described in section 1070a–22(d)(1)(A) or 1070a–24(d) of this title, an amount that 

is not less than the minimum scholarship amount described in subsection (d), 

multiplied by the number of students the eligible entity estimates will meet the 

requirements of paragraph (2).

(2) Requirement for portability
Funds held in reserve under paragraph (1) shall be made available to an eligible 

student when the eligible student has—

(A) completed a secondary school diploma, its recognized equivalent, or another 

recognized alternative standard for individuals with disabilities; and

(B) enrolled in an institution of higher education.

(3) Qualified educational expenses

Funds available to an eligible student under this subsection may be used for—

(A) tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or 

attendance of the eligible student at an institution of higher education; and

(B) in the case of an eligible student with special needs, expenses for special 

needs services that are incurred in connection with such enrollment or attendance.

(4) Return of funds

(A) Redistribution

(i) In general

Funds held in reserve under paragraph (1) that are not used by an eligible 

student within six years of the student's scheduled completion of secondary 

school may be redistributed by the eligible entity to other eligible students.

(ii) Return of excess to the Secretary

If, after meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) and, if applicable, 

redistributing excess funds in accordance with clause (i) of this subparagraph, 

an eligible entity has funds held in reserve under paragraph (1) that remain 

available, the eligible entity shall return such remaining reserved funds to the 

Secretary for distribution to other grantees under this division in accordance with 

the funding rules described in section 1070a–22(a) of this title.

(B) Nonparticipating entity

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of an eligible entity that does not 

receive assistance under this subpart for six fiscal years, the eligible entity shall 

return any funds held in reserve under paragraph (1) that are not awarded or 

obligated to eligible students to the Secretary for distribution to other grantees 

under this division.

(f) Relation to other assistance

Scholarships provided under this section shall not be considered for the purpose of awarding 

Federal grant assistance under this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 

42, except that in no case shall the total amount of student financial assistance awarded to a 

student under this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42 exceed such 

student's total cost of attendance.

(g) Eligible students

A student eligible for assistance under this section is a student who—

(1) is less than 22 years old at time of first scholarship award under this section;

(2) receives a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent on or after 

January 1, 1993;

(3) is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of undergraduate instruction 

at an institution of higher education that is located within the State's boundaries, 

except that, at the State's option, an eligible entity may offer scholarship program 

portability for recipients who attend institutions of higher education outside such 

State; and
(4) who participated in the activities required under section 1070a–24(a) of this 

title.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404E, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §403, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 

Stat. 1661; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §404(e), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3213.)

PRIOR PROVISIONS

A prior section 1070a–25, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404E, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 495; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(20), Dec. 20, 1993, 

107 Stat. 2459, related to distribution of funds, prior to the general amendment of this division 

by Pub. L. 105–244.

AMENDMENTS

2008—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(e)(3), added subsecs. (b) and (c). Former 

subsecs. (b) and (c) redesignated (d) and (f), respectively.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(e)(4), substituted “the minimum Federal Pell Grant award 

under section 1070a of this title for such award year” for “the lesser of—

“(1) 75 percent of the average cost of attendance for an in-State student, in a 4-

year program of instruction, at public institutions of higher education in such State, as 

determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary; or

“(2) the maximum Federal Pell Grant funded under section 1070a of this title for 

such fiscal year”.

Pub. L. 110–315, §404(e)(2), redesignated subsec. (b) as (d). Former subsec. (d) 

redesignated (g).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(e)(1), (5), added subsec. (e) and struck out former 

subsec. (e). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Secretary shall ensure that each 

eligible entity places a priority on awarding scholarships to students who will receive a Federal 

Pell Grant for the academic year for which the scholarship is awarded under this section.”

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(e)(1), (2), redesignated subsec. (c) as (f) and struck out 

former subsec. (f). Text read as follows: “An eligible entity may consider students who have 

successfully participated in programs funded under division 1 of this subpart to have met the 

requirements of subsection (d)(4) of this section.”

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(e)(2), redesignated subsec. (d) as (g).

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 110–315, §404(e)(6), substituted “activities required under section 

1070a–24(a) of this title” for “early intervention component required under section 1070a–24 of 

this title”.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2008 AMENDMENT

Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §404(i), as added by Pub. L. 111–39, title IV, §401(c), July 1, 2009, 

123 Stat. 1940, provided that:

“(1) In general.—The amendments made by subsection (e) [amending this section] shall 

apply to grants made under chapter 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education 

Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a–21 et seq.) on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 14, 

2008], except that a recipient of a grant under such chapter that is made prior to such date may 

elect to apply the requirements contained in the amendments made by subsection (e) to that

grant if the grant recipient informs the Secretary of the election.
“(2) Special rule.—A grant recipient may make the election described in paragraph (1) only if 

the election does not decrease the amount of the scholarship promised to an individual student 

under the grant.”

§1070a–26. 21st Century Scholar Certificates

(a) In general

An eligible entity that receives a grant under this division shall provide certificates, to be 

known as 21st Century Scholar Certificates, to all students served by the eligible entity who are 

participating in a program under this division.

(b) Information required

A 21st Century Scholar Certificate shall be personalized for each student and indicate the 

amount of Federal financial aid for college and the estimated amount of any scholarship 

provided under section 1070a–25 of this title, if applicable, that a student may be eligible to 

receive.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404F, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §403, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 

Stat. 1662; amended Pub. L. 106–78, title VII, §752(b)(8), Oct. 22, 1999, 113 Stat. 1169; Pub. L. 

110–315, title IV, §404(f), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3214.)

PRIOR PROVISIONS

A prior section 1070a–26, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404F, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 496; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(21), (22), Dec. 20, 

1993, 107 Stat. 2459, related to evaluation and report, prior to the general amendment of this 

division by Pub. L. 105–244. See section 1070a–27 of this title.

AMENDMENTS

2008—Pub. L. 110–315 added subsecs. (a) and (b) and struck out former subsecs. (a) and 

(b), which related to the provision of 21st Century Scholar Certificates and required that such 

Certificates be personalized for each student.

1999—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 106–78 substituted “Richard B. Russell National School Lunch 

Act” for “National School Lunch Act”.

§1070a–27. Evaluation and report

(a) Evaluation

Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this division shall biennially evaluate the activities 

assisted under this division in accordance with the standards described in subsection (b) of this 

section and shall submit to the Secretary a copy of such evaluation. The evaluation shall permit 

service providers to track eligible student progress during the period such students are 

participating in the activities and shall be consistent with the standards developed by the 

Secretary pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Evaluation standards

The Secretary shall prescribe standards for the evaluation described in subsection (a) of this 

section. Such standards shall—

(1) provide for input from eligible entities and service providers; and

(2) ensure that data protocols and procedures are consistent and uniform.

(c) Federal evaluation

In order to evaluate and improve the impact of the activities assisted under this division, the 

Secretary shall, from not more than 0.75 percent of the funds appropriated under section 

1070a–28 of this title for a fiscal year, award one or more grants, contracts, or cooperative 
agreements to or with public and private institutions and organizations, to enable the institutions 

and organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and, as appropriate, disseminate 

the results of the evaluation. Such evaluation shall include a separate analysis of—

(1) the implementation of the scholarship component described in section 1070a–

25 of this title; and

(2) the use of methods for complying with matching requirements described in 

paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 1070a–23(c) of this title.

(d) Report

The Secretary shall biennially report to Congress regarding the activities assisted under this 

division and the evaluations conducted pursuant to this section.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404G, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §403, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 

Stat. 1662; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §404(g), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3215.)

PRIOR PROVISIONS

A prior section 1070a–27, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404G, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 496; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(23), Dec. 20, 1993, 

107 Stat. 2459; Pub. L. 103–382, title III, §354, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3967, authorized 

appropriations for grants under this division, prior to the general amendment of this division by 

Pub. L. 105–244. See section 1070a–28 of this title.

AMENDMENTS

2008—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–315 inserted at end “Such evaluation shall include a 

separate analysis of—” and pars. (1) and (2).

§1070a–28. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this division $400,000,000 for fiscal year 

2009 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §404H, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §403, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 

Stat. 1663; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §404(h), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3215.)

AMENDMENTS

2008—Pub. L. 110–315 substituted “$400,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as 

may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years” for “$200,000,000 for fiscal year 

1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years”.

Division 3—[Repealed]

CODIFICATION

Chapter 3 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which 

comprised this division, was originally added to Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, by Pub. L. 102–325, title 

IV, §402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 497. Chapter 3, which related to academic achievement 

incentive scholarships, was set out as having been added by Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §404, 

Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1663, without reference to Pub. L. 102–325 because of the extensive 

revision of chapter 3 by Pub. L. 105–244.

§§1070a–31 to 1070a–35. Repealed. Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §405, Aug. 14, 

2008, 122 Stat. 3215
Section 1070a–31, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406A, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §404, 

Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1663, authorized scholarships to students who graduate from secondary 

school after May 1, 2000.

A prior section 1070a–31, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406A, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 497, authorized award of Presidential Access Scholarships, 

prior to the general amendment of this division by Pub. L. 105–244.

Section 1070a–32, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406B, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §404, 

Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1663, related to scholarship program requirements.

A prior section 1070a–32, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406B, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 497, related to scholarship program requirements, prior to 

the general amendment of this division by Pub. L. 105–244.

Section 1070a–33, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406C, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §404, 

Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1664, related to eligibility of scholars.

A prior section 1070a–33, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406C, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 497, related to eligibility of scholars, prior to the general 

amendment of this division by Pub. L. 105–244.

Section 1070a–34, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406D, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §404, 

Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1664, related to student requirements.

A prior section 1070a–34, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406D, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 498, related to eligible early intervention programs, prior to 

the general amendment of this division by Pub. L. 105–244.

Section 1070a–35, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §407E [406E], as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, 

§404, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1664, authorized appropriations for fiscal year 1999 and the 4 

succeeding fiscal years.

A prior section 1070a–35, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406E, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 498, related to student eligibility, prior to the general 

amendment of this division by Pub. L. 105–244.

Prior sections 1070a–36 and 1070a–37 were omitted in the general amendment of this 

division by Pub. L. 105–244.

Section 1070a–36, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406F, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 499, related to early intervention scholarship agreement.

Section 1070a–37, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §406G, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 499, authorized appropriations to carry out this division.

Division 4—Model Program Community Partnership and Counseling Grants

§§1070a–41 to 1070a–43. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §405, Oct. 7, 

1998, 112 Stat. 1664

Section 1070a–41, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §408A, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 500, authorized grants to develop model programs.
Section 1070a–42, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §408B, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 500, related to collection and dissemination of information 

about programs.

Section 1070a–43, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §408C, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 501, authorized appropriations to carry out this division.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF REPEAL

Repeal effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 

3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1001 

of this title.

Division 5—Public Information

§§1070a–51 to 1070a–53. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §405, Oct. 7, 

1998, 112 Stat. 1664

Section 1070a–51, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §409A, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 501; amended Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(24), Dec. 20, 1993, 

107 Stat. 2459, authorized contract to establish and maintain database and information line.

Section 1070a–52, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §409B, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 501, related to early awareness information program.

Section 1070a–53, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §409C, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, 

§402(a)(4), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 502, authorized appropriations to carry out this division.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF REPEAL

Repeal effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 

3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1001 

of this title.

Division 6—National Student Savings Demonstration Program

§1070a–61. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §405, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 

1664

Section, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §410A, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 

23, 1992, 106 Stat. 502, related to national student savings demonstration program.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF REPEAL

Repeal effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 

3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1001 

of this title.

Division 7—Preeligibility Form

§1070a–71. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §405, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 

1664
Section, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §410B, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 

23, 1992, 106 Stat. 503, related to information on eligibility for assistance.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF REPEAL

Repeal effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 

3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1001 

of this title.

Division 8—Technical Assistance for Teachers and Counselors

§1070a–81. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §405, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 

1664

Section, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §410C, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §402(a)(4), July 

23, 1992, 106 Stat. 504, related to technical assistance grants.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF REPEAL

Repeal effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 

3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1001 

of this title.