The program supported 949 projects serving nearly 200,000 students in 2008.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds may be used to provide eligible project participants personal and academic counseling, career guidance, instruction, mentoring, and tutoring and to facilitate the entrance of project participants into 4-year programs of study or graduate and professional programs.

Projects may provide exposure to cultural events and academic activities not usually available to disadvantaged students.

Projects may also provide services that are specially designed for students of limited English proficiency.

A grantee may use the project to provide services to students enrolled or accepted for enrollment during the next enrollment period at the institution.

Funds may also be used for grant awards to students under certain conditions.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Institutions of higher education and combinations of institutions of higher education may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Low-income, first generation college students or disabled students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution which is the recipient of the grant and who are in need of academic support in order to successfully pursue a program of postsecondary education. At least two-thirds of the project participants must be disabled or must be low-income individuals who are first generation college students. The remaining participants must be disabled, low-income individuals, or first generation college students. One-third of the disabled participants must be low-income. Required low-income criteria for participants are stated in application materials.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.

A-102.

Application Procedures

Develop a proposal in accordance with regulations, applications, and timetables issued by the Secretary of Education; no State Plan is required. Requests for program applications should be made to the Office of Federal TRIO Programs, College and University Support Team. This program is subject to the provisions of EDGAR.

Award Procedures

Selected nonfederal field readers evaluate new proposals on the basis of the selection criteria specified in 34 CFR 646.21 and 646.22. Grants are awarded through the Federal TRIO Programs office.

Deadlines

Deadlines are published in the Federal Register.

Authorization

Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Section 402D, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1070a-14.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Approximately 90 to 180 days.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Continuation awards for four or five years are approved on an annual basis; subject to the availability of funds.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Four or five year projects, annual awards. Continuation awards are subject to the availability of funds.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Performance reports are submitted on an annual basis.

Audits

In accordance with Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 75.702 and 74.61.

Records

In accordance with Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 75.730, 75.731, and 75.732.

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0201-0-1-502.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $271,566,777; FY 08 est. $281,000,000; and FY 09 est. $282,275,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

The estimated average award in 2008 is $297,400. The minimum grant award is $220,000 per year.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Regulations, 34 CFR 646 and Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR).

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, Federal TRIO Programs, 400 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington, DC 20202-5249. Contact: Deborah Walsh, Telephone: (202) 502-7694. E-mail: trio@ed.gov.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Continuation awards are made on the basis of 34 CFR 75.253. For new awards, applicants will be selected under this part on the basis of the criteria set forth in 34 CFR 646.21. Contact the program office for additional information.