Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA SAECP 003543
Apply for USDA NIFA SAECP 003543
- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Secondary Education, Two Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K 12 Classroom Challenge Grants Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.226 Secondary and Two Year Postsecondary Agriculture Education Challenge Grants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 22, 2011 and posted on Oct 14, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 20, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $900,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Applications may only be submitted by (1) public secondary schools, (2) public or private nonprofit junior and community colleges, (3) institutions of higher education, or (4) nonprofit organizations (Attach IRS 501(c)(3) status under RR Other Project Information Field 12 Other Attachments). An eligible applicant must meet the definition of an Eligible Institution/Organization as stated in this RFA (see Part VIII, E., Definitions).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Secondary Education, Two Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants Program (often referred to as SPECA) is a competitive, discretionary grant program administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Its central purpose is to improve and expand education pathways in agriscience and agribusiness at the secondary (high school) level and at two-year postsecondary institutions, while also strengthening the connections among secondary schools, community and junior colleges, and four-year colleges and universities. The broader workforce goal is to help ensure the United States maintains a steady pipeline of well-prepared people who can work across the food and agricultural sciences system, from production agriculture to agribusiness, technology, natural resources, and related fields.
Programmatically, SPECA is designed to do two things at once. First, it aims to promote and strengthen instructional programs in agriscience and agribusiness at high schools and two-year colleges, meaning projects are expected to raise program quality, relevance, and capacity in ways that translate into better student learning and employability. Second, it encourages complementary and synergistic linkages among secondary education, two-year postsecondary education, and higher education. In practical terms, that emphasis points toward partnerships and articulated pathways that make it easier for students to move from high school to a two-year program and onward to a baccalaureate or advanced degree in food and agricultural sciences. The intent is not only to improve what happens in a single classroom or institution, but to improve how the education system works as a connected pipeline that recruits, prepares, and retains students in agricultural disciplines.
The opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number USDA NIFA SAECP 003543 and is associated with CFDA 10.226, Secondary and Two Year Postsecondary Agriculture Education Challenge Grants. The activity category is Agriculture Education, and awards are made using a grant funding instrument. Total estimated funding for the competition was $900,000, with an award ceiling of $300,000 per project, which signals that NIFA expected to support multiple projects rather than a single large initiative, and that proposals likely needed to be clearly scoped and deliverable within a mid-sized budget.
Eligibility is geared toward organizations that are directly positioned to impact education and training. Applications may be submitted by public secondary schools, public or private nonprofit junior and community colleges, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. For nonprofit applicants, the announcement specifies that proof of 501(c)(3) status must be attached in the application (referenced as an IRS 501(c)(3) attachment under the “Other Project Information” section). The eligibility language also notes that an eligible applicant must meet the specific definition of an Eligible Institution/Organization as described in the request for applications (RFA), indicating that applicants needed to confirm they met the program’s formal definitions rather than relying only on general organizational type.
A cost sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning applicants were expected to contribute non-federal resources toward the project. While the summary information provided does not state the matching percentage or allowable sources, the presence of this requirement typically affects project design, budgeting, and partnerships, because applicants must document committed match and ensure it aligns with federal rules and the RFA’s specific guidance.
In terms of timing, the opportunity was posted October 14, 2011, with an original and current closing date of January 20, 2012, and an archive date of February 19, 2012. These dates indicate the program was offered as a time-limited competition for that cycle, with proposals due by the January deadline.
For support and access, NIFA provided a help desk contact for technical difficulties accessing the announcement, with phone support during federal business hours (202-401-5048). The listing also indicates that there was a point of contact for questions related to preparing application content, suggesting applicants were encouraged to seek clarification during proposal development, particularly given the structured requirements typical of NIFA education grant competitions.
Overall, SPECA is best understood as an education workforce pipeline program focused on strengthening agricultural education where many students first encounter career and degree pathways: in K-12 settings, in two-year colleges, and in the transitions between those institutions and four-year higher education. It prioritizes projects that elevate instructional quality and build durable collaborations across levels of education, with the end goal of increasing both the number of students entering agricultural fields and the number who persist through to a bachelor’s degree or beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the SPECA grant program?
The Secondary Education, Two Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants Program (SPECA) is a competitive, discretionary grant program administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It focuses on strengthening agricultural education and training pathways, especially across high schools and two-year postsecondary institutions.
What is the main purpose of SPECA?
The central purpose of SPECA is to improve and expand education pathways in agriscience and agribusiness at the secondary (high school) level and at two-year postsecondary institutions, while strengthening connections among secondary schools, community/junior colleges, and four-year colleges and universities.
What workforce need is this program trying to address?
SPECA is intended to help maintain a steady pipeline of well-prepared people who can work across the food and agricultural sciences system, including areas such as production agriculture, agribusiness, technology, natural resources, and related fields.
What kinds of activities or outcomes does SPECA emphasize?
Based on the information provided, SPECA is designed to do two things at once: (1) promote and strengthen instructional programs in agriscience and agribusiness at high schools and two-year colleges, and (2) encourage complementary, synergistic linkages among secondary education, two-year postsecondary education, and higher education to support smooth student transitions and articulated pathways.
Is SPECA focused only on individual classrooms or single institutions?
No. The intent is broader than improving one classroom or a single institution. SPECA emphasizes improving the education system as a connected pipeline that recruits, prepares, and retains students in agricultural disciplines.
Which agency administers this opportunity?
The program is administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this competition?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed is USDA NIFA SAECP 003543.
What CFDA number is associated with this program?
This opportunity is associated with CFDA 10.226, Secondary and Two Year Postsecondary Agriculture Education Challenge Grants.
What is the activity category for this grant?
The activity category is Agriculture Education.
What type of funding instrument is used for awards?
Awards are made using a grant funding instrument.
How much total funding was estimated for this competition?
The total estimated funding for the competition was $900,000.
What is the maximum award size (award ceiling) per project?
The award ceiling was $300,000 per project.
Does the funding level suggest multiple awards?
Yes. With $900,000 in estimated total funding and a $300,000 ceiling per project, the information suggests NIFA anticipated supporting multiple projects rather than a single large initiative.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applications may be submitted by public secondary schools, public or private nonprofit junior and community colleges, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations.
Do nonprofit applicants need to provide documentation?
Yes. For nonprofit applicants, proof of 501(c)(3) status must be attached in the application (referenced as an IRS 501(c)(3) attachment under the "Other Project Information" section).
Is general nonprofit status enough to qualify?
The eligibility language indicates applicants must meet the specific definition of an Eligible Institution/Organization as described in the request for applications (RFA). That means applicants needed to confirm they meet the program's formal definitions, not only a general organizational category.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. A cost sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning applicants were expected to contribute non-federal resources toward the project.
Does the provided summary state the match percentage or allowable sources?
No. The information provided notes that a matching requirement applies but does not state the matching percentage or what sources of match are allowable. Those specifics would be expected in the RFA.
When was this opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on October 14, 2011.
What was the application deadline?
The original and current closing date listed was January 20, 2012.
What does the archive date indicate?
The archive date was February 19, 2012, indicating the competition was time-limited for that cycle and the listing was later archived.
Who do applicants contact for technical difficulties accessing the announcement?
NIFA provided a help desk contact for technical difficulties accessing the announcement at 202-401-5048, with phone support during federal business hours.
Was there a point of contact for application content questions?
Yes. The listing indicates there was a point of contact for questions related to preparing application content, suggesting applicants could seek clarification during proposal development.
What types of partnerships does SPECA encourage?
SPECA emphasizes linkages among secondary schools, community and junior colleges, and four-year colleges and universities, with a practical focus on partnerships and articulated pathways that help students move from high school to a two-year program and onward to a baccalaureate or advanced degree in food and agricultural sciences.
What is the overall goal of SPECA in plain terms?
SPECA is best understood as an education workforce pipeline program focused on strengthening agricultural education in K-12 and two-year college settings and improving transitions to four-year education, with the end goal of increasing the number of students entering agricultural fields and persisting through to a bachelor's degree or beyond.
Browse more business programs for Agriculture Services, Postsecondary Education
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture Education
Next opportunity: Genetic Services Grants to Support Comprehensive Medical Care for Thalassemia (CMCT)
Previous opportunity: ROSES 2011 Hurricane Science Research Program
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USDA NIFA SAECP 003543
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NIFA SAECP 003543) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 003626 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 003626 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG) Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 003625 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 003625 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Higher Education Challenge (HEC) Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA CGP 003668 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CGP 003668 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Malawi Local Capacity Development Initiative Apply for APS 612 12 000001 Funding Number: APS 612 12 000001 Agency: Malawi USAID Lilongwe Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Capacity Building Grants for Non Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) Apply for USDA NIFA NLGCA 003809 Funding Number: USDA NIFA NLGCA 003809 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grants Apply for USDA NIFA HEP 003849 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HEP 003849 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $262,000 |
| Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program Apply for USDA NIFA HEMS 003871 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HEMS 003871 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Aligning and Elevating University Based Low Income Nutrition Education Apply for USDA NIFA EXCA 003872 Funding Number: USDA NIFA EXCA 003872 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Higher Education Challenge Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA CGP 003954 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CGP 003954 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Secondary Education, Two Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K 12 Classroom Challenge Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA SAECP 003955 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SAECP 003955 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 004068 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 004068 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 004030 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 004030 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $2,800,000 |
| Children, Youth and Families at Risk Sustainable Community Projects Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 004088 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 004088 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $160,000 |
| Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG) Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 004090 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 004090 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Capacity Building Grants for Non Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program Apply for USDA NIFA NLGCA 004248 Funding Number: USDA NIFA NLGCA 004248 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grant Program Apply for USDA NIFA HEP 004338 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HEP 004338 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $262,500 |
| Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program Apply for USDA NIFA HEMS 004337 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HEMS 004337 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 004414 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 004414 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $110,000 |
| Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG) Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 004413 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 004413 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $70,000 |
| Higher Education Challenge Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA CGP 004425 Funding Number: USDA NIFA CGP 004425 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Education Funding Amount: $750,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA NIFA SAECP 003543", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.