Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANT 26 024
Apply for ED GRANT 26 024
- The Office of Postsecondary Education in the employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Educational Opportunity Centers Program (EOC)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.066.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-03-30.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-05-14. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 55 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Educational Opportunity Centers Program (EOC) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: ED GRANT 26 024; CFDA: 84.066) administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education, with the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration soliciting applications on the U.S. Department of Education's behalf. The program is designed to help people who are qualified and interested in starting or continuing postsecondary education by making it easier to understand and access the academic and financial supports that exist. In practical terms, EOC funds organizations that can reach prospective students and guide them through the often confusing steps of choosing a school, meeting entry requirements, and navigating financial aid options so they can realistically enroll and persist in education or training after high school.
The core purpose of EOC is threefold. First, it provides participants with information about financial and academic assistance that may be available to them, which commonly includes guidance on federal, state, institutional, and private aid resources as well as academic programs and support services that can affect readiness and success. Second, it supports individuals with the admissions process itself, meaning hands-on help with applying to colleges or other eligible postsecondary institutions, understanding admissions requirements, and preparing application materials. Third, it aims to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants, reflecting a broader focus on helping individuals make informed decisions about college costs, budgeting, borrowing, and the longer-term economic implications of education choices. Together, these services are intended to reduce barriers that prevent capable learners from entering or progressing through postsecondary education.
A wide range of entities may apply, including state governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, other Native American tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that particular nonprofit category). The listing also includes an "Others" category, but applicants should rely on the official Application Notice and Instructions for the definitive eligibility rules and any additional conditions, since those documents typically clarify which specific types of entities qualify under broader labels and what documentation is required to prove eligibility.
From a funding standpoint, awards can be substantial, with an award ceiling of $3,000,000. The opportunity anticipates making about 55 awards, indicating a competitive national competition with multiple funded projects rather than a single winner. The opportunity was created on 2026-03-30, and the original application closing date is 2026-05-14, which effectively sets the window for interested organizations to prepare a full proposal, assemble required attachments, and submit by the deadline. Because the grant is categorized under Employment, Labor and Training, it aligns the education-access mission with broader workforce and economic mobility goals, reinforcing the idea that postsecondary education guidance and financial literacy are key components of long-term employment and earnings outcomes.
Overall, EOC supports projects that function as access and navigation hubs for prospective and current postsecondary students, especially those who need clear, practical guidance to move from interest to enrollment. Applicants should review the official Application Notice and Instructions closely to confirm eligibility, required service components, performance expectations, allowable uses of funds, and any participant eligibility definitions that must be followed when designing and operating an EOC project.
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program - FAQs
What is the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program?
The Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity that funds organizations to help people who are qualified and interested in starting or continuing postsecondary education. EOC projects are designed to make it easier for prospective students to understand and access the academic and financial supports available to them, and to guide them through key steps like selecting a school, meeting entry requirements, and navigating financial aid.
What is the official funding opportunity number and CFDA number?
Funding Opportunity Number: ED GRANT 26 024. CFDA: 84.066.
Which federal offices are involved in administering and soliciting this opportunity?
The program is administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education. Applications are solicited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education.
What is the main purpose of EOC funding?
EOC funding supports projects that serve as access and navigation hubs for prospective and current postsecondary students. The aim is to reduce barriers that prevent capable learners from entering or progressing through postsecondary education by providing clear, practical guidance from initial interest through realistic enrollment and persistence.
What are the three core purposes of the EOC Program?
The core purpose is threefold: (1) provide information about financial and academic assistance that may be available; (2) support individuals with the admissions process; and (3) improve the financial and economic literacy of participants so they can make informed decisions about costs, budgeting, borrowing, and the long-term economic implications of education choices.
What kinds of services are EOC projects expected to provide related to financial and academic assistance?
EOC projects commonly provide guidance on financial aid resources such as federal, state, institutional, and private aid, as well as information about academic programs and support services that can affect college readiness and success.
Does the EOC Program include hands-on help with college applications and admissions?
Yes. EOC includes support for the admissions process itself, which can involve hands-on help with applying to colleges or other eligible postsecondary institutions, understanding admissions requirements, and preparing application materials.
What does "financial and economic literacy" mean in the context of EOC?
In this opportunity, financial and economic literacy refers to helping participants better understand college costs and how to plan for them, including budgeting, borrowing, and the longer-term economic implications of education and training decisions.
Who can apply for an EOC grant?
Eligible applicants include state governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, other Native American tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that particular nonprofit category). The opportunity listing also includes an "Others" category.
What does the "Others" eligibility category mean?
The listing includes an "Others" category, but the official Application Notice and Instructions should be treated as the definitive source for what qualifies under broader labels, what documentation is required, and any additional conditions that apply.
Where should applicants look to confirm definitive eligibility requirements?
Applicants should rely on the official Application Notice and Instructions to confirm definitive eligibility rules and any additional conditions, including what documentation is needed to prove eligibility.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The award ceiling is $3,000,000.
How many awards does this opportunity expect to make?
The opportunity anticipates making about 55 awards.
Is this a competitive opportunity?
Yes. The anticipated number of awards (about 55) indicates a competitive national competition with multiple funded projects rather than a single awardee.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on 2026-03-30.
What is the application closing date?
The original application closing date is 2026-05-14.
How long is the application window based on the dates provided?
Based on the creation date (2026-03-30) and the original closing date (2026-05-14), interested organizations have a limited window to prepare a full proposal, assemble required attachments, and submit by the deadline.
What topic area or category is this grant associated with?
The grant is categorized under Employment, Labor and Training.
Why is an education-access program categorized under Employment, Labor and Training?
The category reflects that the education-access mission is tied to broader workforce and economic mobility goals. The opportunity emphasizes that postsecondary education guidance and financial literacy can support long-term employment and earnings outcomes.
What types of participants does the EOC Program aim to help?
The program is designed to help people who are qualified and interested in starting or continuing postsecondary education, especially those who need straightforward guidance to move from interest to enrollment and persistence.
What barriers is EOC intended to reduce?
EOC is intended to reduce barriers related to understanding and accessing postsecondary pathways, including confusion about choosing a school, meeting entry requirements, completing admissions steps, and navigating financial aid and related support systems.
What should applicants review before designing and operating an EOC project?
Applicants should review the official Application Notice and Instructions closely to confirm required service components, performance expectations, allowable uses of funds, and any participant eligibility definitions that must be followed.
Does the description provided specify allowable uses of funds or performance expectations?
The description notes that applicants should consult the official Application Notice and Instructions for allowable uses of funds and performance expectations, implying those details are defined in the official documents rather than in the summary provided here.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (ED GRANT 26 024) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs – Employment and Training Grants - Youth Apply for FOA ETA 26 20 IY Funding Number: FOA ETA 26 20 IY Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $2,808,366 |
| Announcement of Enhancements to Identity Verification Services and Funding Opportunity to Support State Costs Associated with Participation in Such Services Apply for ETA UIPL 10 26 Funding Number: ETA UIPL 10 26 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs Employment and Training - Adult Apply for FOA ETA 26 20 IA Funding Number: FOA ETA 26 20 IA Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $5,998,062 |
| Teacher and School Leader Incentive Fund 84.374A Apply for DOL OESE 33844 Funding Number: DOL OESE 33844 Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovative Approaches to Literacy 84.215G Apply for DOL OESE 33831 Funding Number: DOL OESE 33831 Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula, Round 4 (SAEF4) Apply for ETA TEGL 08 25 Funding Number: ETA TEGL 08 25 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $8,287,067 |
| CSP Grants to State Entities 84.282A Apply for DOL OESE 33903 Funding Number: DOL OESE 33903 Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Work Opportunity Tax Credit Initial Funding Allotments for Fiscal Year 2026 Apply for ETA WOTC TEGL 09 25 Funding Number: ETA WOTC TEGL 09 25 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,742,067 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 YOUTH Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 YOUTH Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $156,286,824 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Consolidated Activities Program Allotments for Outlying Areas for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 OA Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 OA Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $936,235 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 DW Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 DW Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $259,233,111 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Activities Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 ADULT Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 ADULT Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $149,671,359 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Workforce Information Grants Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 WIG Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 WIG Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $2,446,924 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Employment Service (Wagner-Peyser) Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 ES Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 ES Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $80,539,150 |
| Updated National Dislocated Worker Grant Program Guidance and Application Information Apply for ETA TEGL 09 24 CH1 Funding Number: ETA TEGL 09 24 CH1 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs - Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Apply for ETA UIPL 11 26 FPUC Funding Number: ETA UIPL 11 26 FPUC Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs - Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation Apply for ETA UIPL 11 26 MEUC Funding Number: ETA UIPL 11 26 MEUC Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs – Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Apply for ETA UIPL 11 26 PEUC Funding Number: ETA UIPL 11 26 PEUC Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Apply for ETA UIPL 11 26 PUA Funding Number: ETA UIPL 11 26 PUA Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Program Year 2026 Senior Community Service Employment Program State, Territorial, and National Grantees Apply for ETA TEGL 13 25 Funding Number: ETA TEGL 13 25 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $44,323,770 |
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