Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANT 26 022
Apply for ED GRANT 26 022
- The Office of Postsecondary Education in the employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Talent Search Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.044.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-03-17.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-05-01. (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 $10,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 175 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 Talent Search Program grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: ED GRANT 26 022; CFDA 84.044) is a discretionary federal grant intended to support projects that help people from disadvantaged backgrounds move successfully from secondary education into postsecondary education. Although the program is a U.S. Department of Education initiative administered through the Office of Postsecondary Education, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration is soliciting applications to support administration of the program on ED's behalf. At its core, the program is designed to find individuals who have the potential to succeed in college or other postsecondary training, then provide the guidance and services that help them finish high school (or reenter and complete it) and take concrete steps toward enrolling in and completing postsecondary education.
The program focuses on outreach, advising, and practical support that reduce common barriers to continuing education. A key part of the work is making sure participants know that student financial aid exists, understand their options, and can actually apply for assistance. Talent Search projects are expected to publicize the availability of financial aid, help prospective students navigate the application process for student financial assistance, and encourage people who have stopped out of school, whether at the secondary or postsecondary level, to return and complete their programs. In other words, the goal is not only recruitment or awareness, but follow-through: getting participants to the finish line for high school completion and into postsecondary pathways, with financial aid access treated as a major lever for success.
Eligibility is broad and includes 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 specific nonprofit category). The opportunity is categorized under Employment, Labor and Training, and the funding instrument is a standard grant. The expected scale of the competition is substantial, with an estimated 175 awards anticipated. The listed award ceiling is $10,000,000, indicating that larger projects or multi-site efforts may be possible depending on the full details in the official Announcement Notification and Instructions.
The application deadline is May 1, 2026, and the opportunity record was created March 17, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to use the Grants.gov subscription feature tied to this announcement to receive updates, clarifications, and amendments as they are posted. Because the short description provides only a high-level summary, applicants are directed to the full Announcement Notification and Instructions for the exact eligibility rules, required activities, performance expectations, and submission requirements.
Talent Search Program Grant (ED GRANT 26 022; CFDA 84.044) - FAQs
1) What is the Talent Search Program grant?
The Talent Search Program grant (Funding Opportunity Number: ED GRANT 26 022; CFDA 84.044) is a discretionary federal grant that supports projects helping individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds move successfully from secondary education into postsecondary education.
2) What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?
The purpose is to identify individuals with the potential to succeed in college or other postsecondary training and provide guidance and services that help them complete high school (or reenter and complete it) and take concrete steps toward enrolling in and completing postsecondary education.
3) Which federal agencies are involved in this opportunity?
The program is a U.S. Department of Education initiative administered through the Office of Postsecondary Education. The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration is soliciting applications to support administration of the program on the Department of Education's behalf.
4) What kinds of services or activities does the program emphasize?
The program emphasizes outreach, advising, and practical support designed to reduce common barriers to continuing education. It focuses on helping participants navigate the transition from secondary education to postsecondary education and supporting completion along that pathway.
5) How important is student financial aid support in Talent Search projects?
Student financial aid support is a key component. Projects are expected to publicize the availability of financial aid, help prospective students navigate the application process for student financial assistance, and ensure participants understand their options and can apply for assistance.
6) Does the program focus only on awareness and recruitment?
No. The description emphasizes follow-through, not just recruitment or awareness. The intended results include helping participants reach high school completion and move into postsecondary pathways, with financial aid access treated as a major lever for success.
7) Are projects expected to serve individuals who have left school?
Yes. Projects are expected to encourage people who have stopped out of school, whether at the secondary or postsecondary level, to return and complete their programs.
8) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes:
- 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
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that specific nonprofit category)
9) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a standard grant.
10) How many awards are anticipated?
The opportunity estimates approximately 175 awards.
11) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The listed award ceiling is $10,000,000. This suggests larger projects or multi-site efforts may be possible, depending on the full details in the official Announcement Notification and Instructions.
12) When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is May 1, 2026.
13) When was this opportunity record created?
The opportunity record was created on March 17, 2026.
14) What topic category is this opportunity listed under?
The opportunity is categorized under Employment, Labor and Training.
15) Where should applicants look for the full requirements and instructions?
Applicants are directed to the full Announcement Notification and Instructions for the exact eligibility rules, required activities, performance expectations, and submission requirements.
16) How can applicants stay informed about updates to the announcement?
Interested applicants are encouraged to use the Grants.gov subscription feature tied to this announcement to receive updates, clarifications, and amendments as they are posted.
17) What outcomes is the program trying to achieve for participants?
Based on the description provided, the program aims to help participants complete high school (including reentry and completion for those who left), enroll in postsecondary education or training, and persist toward completion, with financial aid awareness and application support built into the service strategy.
18) Does the short description include all required activities and performance expectations?
No. The description provided is a high-level summary. The full Announcement Notification and Instructions should be used to confirm required activities, performance expectations, eligibility details, and submission requirements.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (ED GRANT 26 022) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Educational Opportunity Centers Program (EOC) Apply for ED GRANT 26 024 Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 024 Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| 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 |
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