Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Program and Grantee Support Services: Comprehensive Centers Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.283B | Apply Online

FAQs: OESE Comprehensive Centers (CC) Program (Assistance Listing 84.283B)

1) What is the OESE Comprehensive Centers (CC) Program (84.283B)?

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Comprehensive Centers (CC) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.283B, is a discretionary U.S. Department of Education grant competition that funds organizations to deliver capacity-building support to education systems and schools.

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

The central aim is to strengthen the ability of state educational agencies (SEAs), regional educational agencies (REAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and individual schools to improve educational opportunities and student outcomes through capacity-building support.

3) What types of support are applicants expected to provide?

Applicants are expected to serve as high-capacity support providers that help agencies and schools build systems, knowledge, and practices that lead to measurable improvements in teaching and learning.

4) Who is intended to benefit from the work funded by this program?

The intended beneficiaries include SEAs, REAs, LEAs, and individual schools. The program places particular attention on groups of students with the greatest need and on communities facing the greatest challenges.

5) What outcomes does the program emphasize?

The program emphasizes improved student performance, reduced disparities between student groups, and stronger instructional quality across classrooms.

6) Does the program specifically focus on achievement gaps?

Yes. A strong emphasis is placed on closing achievement gaps and raising the quality of instruction for all students, with particular attention to students with the greatest need.

7) What federal agency is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE).

8) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under Assistance Listing (CFDA) 84.283B.

9) What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This competition is offered as a cooperative agreement.

10) What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement typically means awardees should expect an active partnership with the Department of Education during the project period. This can include ongoing coordination, federal involvement in key aspects of implementation, and structured accountability for deliverables.

11) How many awards does the government anticipate making?

The government anticipates making 19 awards.

12) Is there an award ceiling (maximum funding amount) listed?

An award ceiling is not specified in the provided notice excerpt.

13) What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is education.

14) When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on May 8, 2026.

15) What is the application deadline?

The original application deadline is June 30, 2026.

16) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are broadly defined and include research organizations, institutions, agencies, institutions of higher education (IHEs), partnerships among such entities, and individuals, as long as they can demonstrate the ability or capacity to carry out the activities described in the notice.

17) Are individuals really eligible applicants under this competition?

Yes. The eligibility language includes individuals, provided they can demonstrate the ability or capacity to carry out the activities described in the notice.

18) Can applicants apply as a partnership or consortium?

Yes. Applicants may apply as a consortium, but they must follow U.S. Department of Education rules for consortium applications under 34 CFR 75.127-129.

19) What rules apply to consortium applications?

Consortium applications must follow 34 CFR 75.127-129, which generally govern how a group applies together, how roles and responsibilities are documented, and how the lead applicant manages the grant on behalf of partners.

20) Does the notice recognize any specific types of regional entities as eligible?

Yes. The eligibility language recognizes certain regional entities with historical experience delivering similar support under prior federal authorities, referencing the Educational Research, Development, Dissemination, and Improvement Act of 1994 and Title XIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as they existed before specified dates.

21) What application instructions must applicants follow?

All applicants must follow the Department of Education 2025 Common Instructions for Applicants to Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234).

22) What do the 2025 Common Instructions generally cover?

These common instructions usually set baseline requirements and expectations for formatting, required application components, submission procedures, and other cross-cutting federal standards that apply to many ED discretionary grants.

23) Is there any resource mentioned for applicants who are new to ED discretionary grants?

Yes. The notice flags a "Getting Started with Discretionary Grant Applications" resource intended to help new applicants align with federal grantmaking norms and avoid preventable compliance issues.

24) What should applicants expect regarding coordination and accountability?

Because this is a cooperative agreement, applicants should expect ongoing coordination with the Department of Education, federal involvement in key aspects of implementation, and structured accountability for deliverables during the project period.

25) What is the overall practical intent of this competition?

In practical terms, the competition is designed to select organizations that can deliver high-capacity, capacity-building support to education agencies and schools in ways that lead to measurable improvements in teaching and learning, improved student outcomes, and reduced disparities between student groups.