Simpler Grants.gov #ED-GRANT-26-036

Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Education, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor, is seeking applications for the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) Grant Program to enhance postsecondary outcomes for rural students. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education - U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (solicitation support) - OEMs and Vendors: - U.S. Department of Education (grantor; no commercial OEMs or vendors specified) - Products/Services Requested: - Discretionary grant funding for projects that: - Improve postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students - Develop career pathways aligned with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors - Provide work-based learning opportunities (e.g., apprenticeships, internships) - Integrate workforce development priorities and AI literacy - Notable Requirements: - Focus on serving rural communities - Eligible applicants: public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education, state education agencies, and nonprofit organizations serving rural areas - No cost sharing or matching required - Project period up to 48 months - Estimated total funding: $45 million; individual awards between $1.5 million and $2.5 million

Description

The Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) Grant Program aims to improve postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion rates among rural students. It focuses on developing career pathways aligned with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education, as well as public and private nonprofit organizations and agencies. The program offers discretionary grants with funding amounts ranging from $1,500,000 to $2,500,000, with a total estimated available fund of $45,000,000. Applications must be submitted electronically by June 23, 2026.

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