Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Office of Postsecondary Education and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, is soliciting applications for the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs under solicitation number ED-GRANT-26-026. This discretionary grant program aims to enhance the capacity of TRIO project staff and leadership by providing training that improves operational effectiveness across programs designed to support disadvantaged students in higher education. The program focuses on two absolute priorities: improving student persistence, progress, and outcomes through training in data reporting, student need assessment, retention and graduation strategies, educational technology use, and career pathway development including high-skill occupations and apprenticeships; and strengthening program operations, compliance, and leadership through training in budget management, statutory and regulatory requirements, and project management for new directors. Applications are due by July 6, 2026, and must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, with all narrative materials in read-only flattened PDF format and adhering to specified file naming and length restrictions. Maximum annual award amounts are $1,100,000 for Absolute Priority 1 and $550,000 for each of Absolute Priorities 2 and 3, with a total project period of 24 months. The solicitation applies to entities with an active SAM.gov account including a Unique Entity Identifier, and requires submission of standard forms including SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and multiple narrative attachments such as an abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, training program profile, and absolute and invitational priority narratives. Awards will be decided based on a total score derived from a peer-reviewed evaluation of key personnel qualifications (20 points), budget and cost effectiveness (10 points), and evaluation plan quality (10 points), with up to 15 additional points awarded for prior experience. The selection process prioritizes geographic accessibility across all U.S. regions and includes tiebreaker rules to resolve scoring ties. Compliance with federal civil rights laws—including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, the ADA, and the Age Discrimination Act—is mandatory, and grantees must operate under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Uniform Administrative Requirements (2 CFR Part 200), and specific program regulations under 34 CFR Part 642. Annual performance reporting is required, including metrics on the number of trainees, average cost per trainee, trainee