Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program CFDA Number 84.206A | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program?

The Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program (CFDA 84.206A) is a discretionary grant competition administered by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). It is designed to strengthen how schools identify and serve gifted and talented students, with a particular focus on students from disadvantaged backgrounds and groups that have historically been underrepresented in gifted education.

2) What is the main purpose of this grant competition?

The central purpose is state-level capacity-building. The program supports coordinated efforts that may include scientifically based research, demonstration projects, innovative strategies, and other activities intended to improve gifted education practices in elementary and secondary education nationwide. A practical aim is to help states develop and test approaches that can be replicated by schools and districts.

3) What equity issues does the program emphasize?

The program places strong emphasis on reducing inequities in identification and service delivery for high-ability students who may be overlooked due to factors such as poverty, language barriers, disability status, or other circumstances that can mask or complicate the recognition of advanced potential.

4) Who is eligible to apply for this specific opportunity?

For this specific opportunity, eligibility is limited to State educational agencies (SEAs). State-level education agencies are the intended applicants and grantees.

5) Can local educational agencies (LEAs) apply directly under this opportunity?

No. Although the underlying statute references competitive awards to SEAs, LEAs, or both under certain conditions, this particular competition limits eligibility to SEAs only.

6) What is the “special rule” mentioned for Javits funds?

The competition references a “special rule” in section 5464(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (as amended). Under that rule, Javits funds appropriated in a fiscal year above the FY 2001 level ($7.5 million) must be used for competitive awards to State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), or both.

7) What kinds of activities does the program support?

The program is described as supporting coordinated, state-level efforts that can include scientifically based research, demonstration projects, innovative strategies, and other activities intended to improve practice in elementary and secondary education. The overall intent is to develop approaches that can be replicated and sustained beyond a single pilot site.

8) Why is the program structured around state-level work?

The design reflects an expectation that states can coordinate research and demonstration work across districts and schools, translate findings into guidance or tools, and create systems that persist beyond a single pilot site.

9) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for the 2015 competition?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed for the 2015 competition is ED-GRANTS-032015-002.

10) How much funding was anticipated for the 2015 competition?

The Department anticipated an estimated total funding level of $2,500,000 for the 2015 competition.

11) How many awards did the Department expect to make?

The Department anticipated making approximately six awards.

12) When was the opportunity posted, and when were applications due?

The opportunity was posted on March 20, 2015. Applications were available on the same day. The deadline for transmittal of applications was May 4, 2015.

13) Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The listing states that there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants were not required to provide matching funds as a condition of receiving an award.

14) How were applications required to be submitted?

Applications were required to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the governmentwide “Apply” process.

15) How do applicants find the correct application package on Grants.gov?

Applicants were instructed to locate the correct application package by searching the CFDA number without the letter suffix. That means searching for “84.206” rather than “84.206A.”

16) Which document controls the official requirements and selection criteria?

The notice points applicants to the official Federal Register application notice as the controlling source for full requirements, selection criteria, and other official details. It also notes that the Federal Register and related regulations can be accessed online through Government Publishing Office (GPO) resources.

17) Who can applicants contact with program-related questions at the U.S. Department of Education?

The listing provides U.S. Department of Education contacts for support and program questions, including Joyce Mays (Management Analyst, 202-245-6122, joyce.mays@ed.gov) and Program Manager Jennifer Brianas (202-401-0299).

18) Where is the U.S. Department of Education contact address listed for this opportunity?

The contacts are associated with the Department’s address on Maryland Avenue SW in Washington, DC.

19) Who should applicants contact for technical issues with electronic submission?

For technical submission issues, applicants are directed to the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

20) What is CFDA 84.206A, and why does the letter matter?

CFDA 84.206A is the program identifier for the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program. However, for purposes of finding the application package on Grants.gov for this opportunity, applicants were instructed to search using the CFDA number without the letter suffix (84.206).