Simpler Grants.gov #ED-GRANTS-042726-003

STEP Grant Program Solicitation for Tribal Education Partnerships

The U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Education, is soliciting applications for the State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) Grant Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Education (administering for the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Indian Education) - Program Overview: - STEP Grant Program (Assistance Listing 84.415A) supports Tribal self-determination in education - Promotes coordination among Tribal Educational Agencies (TEAs), State Educational Agencies (SEAs), and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) - Aims to improve academic achievement and address unique educational and cultural needs of Indian students - Funding Details: - Estimated total funds available: $2,000,000 - Individual awards expected between $300,000 and $500,000 - 4-7 awards anticipated - Products/Services Requested: - Discretionary grants for administration and coordination of Tribal education partnerships - Capacity building, training, and development of TEAs, including policies, structures, and oversight to improve student outcomes (attendance, graduation, academic achievement, workforce development, career readiness) - Notable Requirements: - Applicants must submit a draft written agreement with relevant SEAs and/or LEAs - Indian preference in hiring and contracting per the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) - Annual two-day Project Directors meeting in Washington, DC required - Strict eligibility criteria, including restrictions for Tribes already receiving certain BIE funds - Project director must be hired and agreements with partners finalized - Period of Performance: - Up to 36 months for creating a TEA (Absolute Priority 1) - Up to 60 months for expanding capacity of early TEAs (Absolute Priority 2) - Place of Performance: - Annual meetings in Washington, DC

Description

The Bureau of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Interior is soliciting applications to support the administration of the State Tribal Education Partnerships (STEP) program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education. The program aims to promote Tribal self-determination in education, improve academic achievement of Indian children and youth, and foster coordination between Tribal Educational Agencies, State Educational Agencies, and Local Educational Agencies to meet the unique educational and cultural needs of Indian students. The competition intends to return education control to Tribes and create opportunities for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Applicants must provide a draft written agreement with appropriate partners to ensure collaboration from the outset.

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