FY 2025 FIPSE-SP Competition Pre-Application Technical Assistance Webinar_FINAL.pdf

FY 2025 FIPSE-SP

Pre-Application Technical

Assistance Webinar

Main Contact: FIPSE-SP@ed.gov mailto:FIPSE-SP@ed.gov mailto:FIPSE-SP@ed.gov mailto:FIPSE-SP@ed.gov

Disclaimer

PLEASE NOTE: The Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) in the Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar provides additional technical assistance only.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/12/2025-19843/applications-for-new-awards-fund-for-the-improvement-of-postsecondary-education-special-projects https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/12/2025-19843/applications-for-new-awards-fund-for-the-improvement-of-postsecondary-education-special-projects

FY 2025 Competition: General Information

• Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2025, with a deadline of December 3, 2025.

• Download application package in Grants.gov by searching for the ALN 84.116J or Funding Opportunity Number ED-GRANTS-111225-001.

• More information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are posted on the FIPSE-SP website, as well as grants.gov under the “Related Documents” tab.

• Applicants are reminded that the NIA published in the Federal Register is the official document. You should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained within the official document.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/12/2025-19843/applications-for-new-awards-fund-for-the-improvement-of-postsecondary-education-special-projects https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/12/2025-19843/applications-for-new-awards-fund-for-the-improvement-of-postsecondary-education-special-projects https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/improvement-of-postsecondary-education/fipse-special-projects-program https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/improvement-of-postsecondary-education/fipse-special-projects-program https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/improvement-of-postsecondary-education/fipse-special-projects-program https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/improvement-of-postsecondary-education/fipse-special-projects-program

Program Purpose

The purpose of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education – Special Projects (FIPSE-SP) program is to provide grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), combinations of such institutions, and other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies, as the Secretary deems necessary, to support innovative projects concerning one or more areas of national need identified by the Secretary.

This competition focuses on supporting four (4) areas of national need:

1) Advancing the Understanding and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology in

Postsecondary Education

2) Promoting Civil Discourse on College and University Campuses

3) Promoting Accreditation Reform

4) Supporting Capacity-Building for High-Quality Short-Term Programs

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-19843

Applicable Laws & Regulations

Program Authority

• 20 U.S.C. 1138; 20 U.S.C. 1138c.

• Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Federal civil rights laws.

Applicable Regulations

• The Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99.

• The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485.

• The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/1138 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/1138 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/1138c

FY 2025 FIPSE-SP Competition

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Eligibility & Funding

Eligibility

• Institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)), consortia of such institutions, and other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies including State higher education agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1003(22).

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-765/pdf/COMPS-765.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-765/pdf/COMPS-765.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title20/pdf/USCODE-2024-title20-chap28-subchapI-partA-sec1003.pdf

Eligibility:

Demonstrating

Nonprofit Status

An applicant that is a nonprofit organization may, under 34 CFR 75.51, demonstrate its nonprofit status by providing:

1. Proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

2. A statement from a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual;

3. A certified copy of the applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or

4. Any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-75.51

Eligibility Continued

• The eligible entity may apply to all four (4) areas of national need as the lead applicant but must submit a separate grant application for each area of national need.

• The eligible entity may submit only one (1) grant application under an area of national need as the lead applicant and must clearly identify which absolute priority the application is addressing.

• For areas of national need with more than one Absolute Priority, the applicant must select one of the two Absolute Priorities that will be addressed in the application narrative. We understand that a particular project may include elements that connect to both Absolute Priorities within an area of national need.

Therefore, applicants are not precluded from incorporating elements from both Absolute Priorities.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Area of National

Need Absolute Priorities Number of

Applications Able to Submit

Estimated Funding Maximum Budget

(1) Advancing the Understanding and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Postsecondary Education

AP1 and AP2 One application AP 1: $25 million

AP 2: $25 million

$4 million for AP1

$4 million for AP2

(2) Promoting Civil Discourse on College and University Campuses, AP3 + CPP1 and CPP2 One application AP 3: $60 million

$4 million max

(3) Promoting Accreditation Reform

AP4 and AP5 One application AP 4: $3.5 million

AP 5: $3.5 million

$1 million for AP 4

$1 million for AP 5

(4) Supporting Capacity- Building for High-Quality Short-Term Programs.

AP6 and AP7 One application AP 6: $25 million

AP 7: $25 million

$4 million for AP6

$4 million for AP7

Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Additional Award Information

• Estimated Number of Awards:

• Absolute Priorities 1 and 2: 25

• Absolute Priority 3: 30

• Absolute Priorities 4 and 5: 9

• Absolute Priorities 6 and 7: 25.

• Project Period: Up to 48 months.

• Funding under this competition is frontloaded.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Eligibility FAQ Check-in

How should an applicant demonstrate the type of entity a lead application or partner is?

• Applicants should provide ample documentation regarding their entity type.

• For example, as we noted on a previous slide a nonprofit organization has 4 documentation options with which to demonstrate its nonprofit status.

• Note: If it is not clear that an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, the application may be flagged as ineligible.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Is a public K-12 school district eligible to apply for funding as the lead applicant and/or be a subgrantee/partner?

• Yes, as long as the applicant demonstrates it meets the eligibility requirements for “public or private nonprofit institutions or agencies”.

Can system offices apply on behalf of their institutions?

• If the system is a State higher education agency, then they could serve as the lead applicant. If the system is not a State higher education agency, then one of their eligible IHEs should be designated as the lead applicant.

Can a university or college system (and all the affiliated colleges in the system) be considered a single IHE?

• If the system is a State higher education agency, then they could serve as the lead applicant. If the system is not a State higher education agency but rather is a group of multiple affiliated colleges and universities that are managed by a single governing body, such as a board of regents or trustees, then one of their eligible IHEs should be designated as the lead applicant.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Can an institution/organization apply to subaward/partner with a for-profit organization?

• No. Under 34 CFR 75.127, only eligible parties may apply in partnership under a particular competition.

Because for-profit organizations are not eligible entities under 20 U.S.C. § 1138 (a), institutions may not apply to partner with them.

Can a lead applicant be designated as a subgrantee/partner on another application?

• An entity can be included as a subgrantee/partner in multiple applications.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-75.127 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title20/pdf/USCODE-2024-title20-chap28-subchapVII-partB-sec1138.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title20/pdf/USCODE-2024-title20-chap28-subchapVII-partB-sec1138.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title20/pdf/USCODE-2024-title20-chap28-subchapVII-partB-sec1138.pdf

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Absolute & Competitive Preference Priorities

Priorities

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide.

This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Advancing the Understanding and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Postsecondary Education

• Absolute Priority 1: Advancing Artificial Intelligence to Improve Educational Outcomes of Postsecondary Students

• Absolute Priority 2: Ensuring Future Educators and Students Have Foundational Exposure to AI and Computer Science

Promoting Civil Discourse on College and University Campuses

• Absolute Priority 3: Promoting Civil Discourse on College and University Campuses o Competitive Preference Priority 1 (0 or 10 points): Civic Institutes at

Institutions of Higher Education o Competitive Preference Priority 2 (0 or 10 points): Non-IHE Nonprofit

Organizations That Educate Students to Promote Freedom and Engage in Civil Discourse

Promoting Accreditation Reform

• Absolute Priority 4: Supporting Institutions in Changing Accrediting Agencies

• Absolute Priority 5: Supporting the Creation of New Accrediting Agencies

Capacity-Building for High-Quality Short-Term Programs

• Absolute Priority 6: Creation of New High-Quality Short-Term Programs

• Absolute Priority 7: Expansion of Existing High-Quality Short-Term Programs

Area of National Need #1

Advancing the Understanding and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Postsecondary Education

(Absolute Priorities 1 and 2) The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Absolute Priority 1: Advancing Artificial Intelligence to Improve Educational Outcomes of Postsecondary Students

Projects or proposals to improve academic instruction and student learning, including efforts designed to assess the learning gains made by postsecondary students (section 744(c)(2)) of the HEA), through one or more of the following:

a) Supporting the integration of AI literacy skills and concepts into teaching and learning practices to improve educational outcomes for students, including instruction about how to use AI responsibly, and how to detect AI generated disinformation or misinformation online; and

b) Partnering with State Educational Agencies (SEAs) or Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to do one or more of the following:

i. use AI technology to provide high-quality instructional resources, high-impact tutoring, and college and career pathway exploration, advising, and navigation to improve educational outcomes.

ii. integrate AI-driven tools into classrooms to personalize learning, improve student outcomes, and support differentiated instruction. This integration may include, but is not limited to, adaptive learning technologies, virtual teaching assistants, tutoring, and data analytics tools to support student progress.

iii. utilize AI in the classroom and/or for school operation efficiency, including but not limited to: improving teacher training and evaluation, reducing time-intensive administrative tasks, or improving instruction or services for students with disabilities.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Absolute Priority 2: Ensuring Future Educators and Students Have Foundational Exposure to AI and Computer Science

Projects or proposals to leverage AI to improve teacher preparation by doing one or more of the following:

a) Deliver AI and computer science credentials in rural communities;

b) Embed AI and computer science into an institution of higher education's general preservice or in-service teacher professional development or teacher preparation programs;

c) Provide additional support for teacher preparation programs that are preparing future computer science educators in K-12 education;

d) Expand offerings of AI and computer science courses as part of an institution of higher education's general education and/or core curriculum;

e) Provide resources and support for the use of AI in teacher preparation programs;

f) Partner with SEAs and/or LEAs to provide resources to K-12 students in foundational computer science and AI literacy, including through professional development for educators; and

g) Partner with SEAs and/or LEAs to encourage the provision of dual-enrollment course opportunities so that students can earn postsecondary credentials and industry-recognized credentials in AI coursework concurrent with their high school education.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Absolute Priority 2(a) Resource For assistance with identifying rural communities, applicants may retrieve locale codes from the following NCES search tools. This is included as a resource to assist applicants; however, it is not required for applicants to provide the NCES locale codes in order to meet the requirements of Absolute Priority 2.

NCES School District search tool -where LEAs can be looked up individually to retrieve locale codes

Public School search tool - where individual schools can be looked up to retrieve locale codes.

NCES College Navigator search tool -where IHEs can be looked up individually to determine the campus setting.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/ https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/ https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

Absolute Priority 1 (AP1) FAQ Check-in

Under AP1 that language requests “projects or proposals to improve academic instruction and student learning, including efforts designed to assess learning gains made by postsecondary students.” Then, section b describes how projects can partner with state or local education agencies.

Does this mean a project focused on middle school students and their teachers would qualify for this call? If so, do we need to specify how improving middle school literacy is related to later postsecondary success?

AP1 must include efforts designed to assess the learning gains made by postsecondary students, but a proposal does not need to be only focused on postsecondary students. It is the applicant’s responsibility to adequately address how their project will meet the absolute priority through its services, activities, and target audience.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Priority 2 (AP2) FAQ Check-in

Can an applicant address AP2 by partnering with a school instead of a LEA or SEA?

• An application under AP2 must “leverage AI to improve teacher preparation by doing one of subparts (a) through (g). While the language in subpart or more of the following that addresses subparts

(f) and (g) explicitly mention LEAs/SEAs, not an individual school, a proposed project that includes a partnership with a single school could still meet the requirements of AP2 by addressing one or more of the other subparts.

Would a focus on developing and delivering a Master of Science program in Computer Science be considered an appropriate response to AP2(a)?

• Under AP2(a), an applicant may propose a project that leads to an AI and computer science credential in rural communities. Credentials can include master or professional degrees.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Area of National Need #2

Promoting Civil Discourse on College and University Campuses (Absolute Priority 3 + Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Absolute Priority 3: Promoting Civil Discourse on College and University Campuses

Projects that are designed to promote civil discourse on college and university campuses through activities such as seminars, speaker series, conferences, debates, workshops training events, and other focused learning opportunities that include a range of views and embrace dialogue and understanding. These projects may include visiting faculty specifically supporting the development and delivery of these activities and contributing to the viewpoint diversity of the broader campus intellectual environment.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

2 Competitive Preference Priorities (optional)

Within Absolute Priority 3, we give competitive preference to applications that address the following priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award an additional 10 points to an application that meets each of these priorities.

Competitive Preference Priority 1: Civic Institutes at Institutions of Higher Education. (0 or 10 points).

• Projects implemented by, or in partnership with, institutions of higher education that have established independent academic units dedicated to civic thought, constitutional studies, American history, and economic liberty. These institutes should demonstrate a sustained commitment to robust civil discourse, the liberal arts, and the study of American history and politics through primary documents.

Competitive Preference Priority 2: Non-IHE Nonprofit Organizations That Educate Students to Promote Freedom and Engage in Civil Discourse. (0 or 10 points).

• Projects implemented by, or in partnership with, private nonprofit organizations that do not meet the HEA definition of an institution of higher education and that educate students to promote freedom and engage in civil discourse. These entities must demonstrate experience working with higher education institutions on matters of civil discourse.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-75.105#p-75.105(c)(2)(i) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-75.105#p-75.105(c)(2)(i)

Priority 3 (AP3) FAQ Check-in

In Competitive Preference Priority 1 (CPP 1) in AP3, how can an applicant show that independent academic units “demonstrate a sustained commitment to robust civil discourse, the liberal arts, and the study of American history and politics through primary documents”?

• An applicant may provide this evidence through the IHE’s offerings in degree programs (including interdisciplinary degrees with related departments), courses addressing relevant content areas, research and expertise of related faculty, and educational and research events (seminars, symposia, workshops, etc.) pertaining to the relevant areas of the priorities.

In Competitive Preference Priority 2 (CPP 2) in AP3, can the non-IHE nonprofit organization be part of the lead applicant’s IHE?

• No, the non-IHE nonprofit organization must be independent of the IHE.

• Note: As a reminder, to meet the requirements of CPP 2 non-IHE nonprofit organizations are private nonprofit organizations that do not meet the HEA definition of an institution of higher education and that educate students to promote freedom and engage in civil discourse. Furthermore, these entities must demonstrate experience working with higher education institutions on matters of civil discourse.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Priority 3 (AP3) FAQ Check-in

In CPP 2 under AP3, how can an applicant show that a non- IHE nonprofit organization has “demonstrate[d] experience working with higher education institutions on matters of civil discourse”?

A non-profit organization may provide to the applicant evidence of “demonstrated experience” by providing documentation related to services, events, and products provided to or in partnership with college and universities relative to the exchange of information or debate of ideas on matters related to the public good or civic governance.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Area of National Need #3

Promoting Accreditation Reform (Absolute Priorities 4 and 5)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Absolute Priority 4: Supporting Institutions in Changing Accrediting Agencies

Activities that directly support college and university efforts to change their current accrediting agency. These activities may include, but are not limited to, staffing costs necessary to support a change in accreditors, document preparation costs, site-visit costs, and direct accreditation fees (limited to the initial term of accreditation up to 5 years).

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Absolute Priority 5: Supporting the Creation of New Accrediting Agencies

Projects that support the development and launch of new accrediting agencies seeking, or intending to seek, recognition from the Department under 20 U.S.C. 1099b. Eligible activities may include convenings, development of accreditation standards and review processes, stakeholder and expert consultations, meeting and travel costs, technology and data system development, personnel costs, administrative expenses, and other costs directly related to establishing and operating a recognized accrediting agency.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/1099b https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/20/1099b

Priority 4 (AP4) FAQ Check-in

For AP4, can IHEs propose projects to change or add accrediting agencies that are not yet recognized by the Department?

• AP4 and the NIA do not define or limit the term

‘accrediting agency’ to a ‘nationally recognized accrediting agency’ under 34 CFR 600.1. Because this term is undefined, the Department will accept projects under AP4 that propose to change or add accrediting agencies that are not yet recognized by the Department. However, the Department is aware that adding or changing accrediting agencies may impact institutional eligibility under Title IV and recommends that institutions of higher education contact aslrecordsmanager@ed.gov for questions of institutional eligibility.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-600.2 mailto:aslrecordsmanager@ed.gov

Priority 4 (AP4) FAQ Check-in

What are the requirements/process for notifying the Department if an applicant proposes changing accrediting agencies?

Please review the “Changes to the Approval Process for Changing Accrediting Agencies” in the Dear Colleague Letter published on May 1, 2025:

https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies.

For additional questions about the Dear Colleague Letter, please email us at FIPSE-SP@ed.gov.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-04-30/changes-approval-process-changing-accrediting-agencies mailto:FIPSE-SP@ed.gov mailto:FIPSE-SP@ed.gov mailto:FIPSE-SP@ed.gov

Priority 5 (AP5) FAQ Check-in

In terms of AP5, Supporting the Creation of New Accrediting Agencies, are new programmatic accreditors eligible to apply, in addition to new institutional accrediting agencies?

Yes, new programmatic accreditors are eligible to apply as long as the lead applicant meets the eligibility criteria for this competition:

• Institutions of higher education (as defined in section

101 of the HEA),

• Consortia of such institutions

• Other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies including State higher education agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1003(22).

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-765/pdf/COMPS-765.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-765/pdf/COMPS-765.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title20/pdf/USCODE-2024-title20-chap28-subchapI-partA-sec1003.pdf

Area of National Need #4

Capacity-Building for High-Quality Short-Term Programs (Absolute Priorities 6 and 7)

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Absolute Priority 6: Creation of New High-Quality Short-Term Programs

• Activities that directly support the development of new high-quality, short-term programs at institutions of higher education, including engaging employers, developing talent marketplaces, and integrating work-based learning components into short-term postsecondary programs. High-quality, short-term programs are defined as programs that meet the eligibility requirements of the Workforce Pell Grants program in Section 83002(b) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including program length requirements and alignment with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations, as determined by the Governor in the State in which the institution is located.

• This funding opportunity may be used to cover institutional costs associated with hiring program faculty and staff;

purchasing equipment, machinery, production supplies and technology; coordinating with employers, State Workforce Development Boards, and other stakeholders, including convenings, meetings, and travel costs; improving classrooms, laboratories, and other instructional facilities; developing or enhancing partnerships with employers to facilitate industry alignment; improving data collection and reporting capabilities to support Workforce Pell eligibility determinations; and meeting administrative expenses related to the design and development of new programs, including expenses related to data collection and validation.

• Activities must be designed and executed in close collaboration with employers, to ensure that the resulting programs are responsive to industry demand.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Absolute Priority 7: Expansion of Existing High- Quality Short-Term Programs

• Activities that directly support the expansion of existing high-quality, short-term programs, including reforms to existing programs to meet Workforce Pell Grants eligibility requirements in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Such activities should also include engaging employers, developing talent marketplaces, and integrating work-based learning components into short-term postsecondary programs.

• This funding opportunity may be used to cover institutional costs associated with hiring additional faculty and staff to increase program capacity; purchasing additional equipment, machinery, production supplies, and technology; enhancing partnerships with employers to facilitate industry alignment; improving data collection and reporting capabilities to support Workforce Pell eligibility determinations; expanding the frequency of new student cohorts; or programmatic reforms needed to meet program requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Priority 6 (AP6)

& Absolute Priority 7 (AP7) FAQ Check-in

Is it possible to focus the grant on specific job sectors in AP 6 and AP7 (National Need Area #4)?

• Yes, it is possible to focus the project on specific job sectors, assuming they meet and align with the definition of high-quality, short-term programs as defined by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) and are in-demand industry sectors as defined by WIOA.

• Note: High-quality, short-terms programs as defined in the eligibility requirements in the Workforce Pell Grants program in Section 83002(b) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including program length requirements and alignment with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations.

• Note: In-demand industry sectors or occupations, as defined in section 3(23) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), means (i) an industry sector that has a substantial current or potential impact (including through jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency and opportunities for advancement) on the State, regional, or local economy, as appropriate, and that contributes to the growth or stability of other supporting businesses, or the growth of other industry sectors; or (ii) an occupation that currently has or is projected to have a number of positions (including positions that lead to economic self-sufficiency and opportunities for advancement) in an industry sector so as to have a significant impact on the State, regional, or local economy, as appropriate.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-11135/pdf/COMPS-11135.pdf

Priority 6 (AP6)

& Absolute Priority 7 (AP7) FAQ Check-in

In AP6 and AP7, what are the program eligibility requirements for Workforce Pell Grants in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)?

• Section 83002(b) of the OBBBA lists the program eligibility requirements for Workforce Pell Grants: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text.

• According to Section 832002 (b), an eligible Workforce Pell Grant program is a program that must be at least 150 clock hours of instruction, but less than 600 clock hours of instruction (or an equivalent number of credit hours), offered during a minimum of eight weeks but less than 15 weeks, and is not offered as a correspondence course. In addition, an eligible program must be approved by the State Governor in accordance with the requirements in Section 83002(b)(2)(iii) of the OBBBA.

Who qualifies as an eligible student for a Workforce Pell Grant under OBBB?

• To receive a Workforce Pell Grant, a student must:

• Meet normal Pell eligibility (e.g., financial need, undergrad level).

• Be enrolled in an eligible workforce program—short-term, non-degree, accredited.

• Not simultaneously receiving a traditional Pell Grant or a TEACH Grant.

• The Department will provide active communication and technical assistance for grantees selected funding under this program, to ensure that such grantees are made aware of any updates to Workforce Pell Grant student eligibility as a result of negotiated rulemaking.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

Competition Highlights

Disclaimer: Application Components

• The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

• You can view additional information and guidance on http://www.grants.gov/ by searching for the ALN 84.116J or Funding Opportunity Number ED-GRANTS-111225-001. More information, including the Application Book and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is posted on the FIPSE-SP website.

• If you have any questions/concerns, please email us at FIPSE-SP@ed.gov.

• Note: If all required documents are not submitted with your application, it may be deemed ineligible.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/12/2025-19843/applications-for-new-awards-fund-for-the-improvement-of-postsecondary-education-special-projects https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/12/2025-19843/applications-for-new-awards-fund-for-the-improvement-of-postsecondary-education-special-projects http://www.grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360851 https://www.ed.gov/media/document/fy-2025-fipse-special-projects-program-application-booklet-november-7-2025-112457.pdf https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/improvement-of-postsecondary-education/fipse-special-projects-program https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/improvement-of-postsecondary-education/fipse-special-projects-program https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/improvement-of-postsecondary-education/fipse-special-projects-program https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/improvement-of-postsecondary-education/fipse-special-projects-program mailto:FIPSE-SP@ed.gov mailto:FIPSE-SP@ed.gov mailto:FIPSE-SP@ed.gov

Abstract

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

The abstract should serve as a quick reference guide to your application. Include the items below in the order listed and use the same number format. To complete the information accurately, you'll need to provide the following details:

1. Lead Applicant Institution: Name the institution that is the primary applicant.

2. Partner Entities: List partner entities involved in the project, mentioning their type (e.g., institution of higher education (IHE), nonprofit organization, local education agency (LEA), state education agency (SEA), etc.).

3. Project Title: Provide the title of the project.

4. Area of National Need: Specify which national need the application addresses.

5. Absolute Priority/ies Addressed: Identify the Absolute Priority addressed by number (e.g., Absolute Priority 3) and briefly describe how it is/they are addressed.

6. Competitive Preference Priority/ies Addressed: If applicable under Absolute Priority 3, identify the Competitive Preference Priority/ies addressed by number (e.g., CPP 1 and/or CPP 2) and briefly describe how it is/they are addressed.

7. Target Population: Define the target population (e.g., faculty, staff, students, etc.).

8. Proposed Activities: Outline the activities proposed in the project.

9. Anticipated Results: Describe the anticipated results, such as learning outcomes.

Project Narrative

• Before preparing the Project Narrative, applicants should review the program statute, program regulations, Common Instructions, and the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for specific guidance and requirements.

• Structuring the Project Narrative

• The Secretary evaluates an application according to the program specific criteria in 34 CFR 75.210.

• The Project Narrative is where the applicant provides detailed responses to each selection criterion, as the project pertains to the area of national need and the Absolute Priority the applicant is responding to, and if applicable, the responses to one or both Competitive Preference Priorities in Absolute Priority 3.

• Responses to the Competitive Preference Priorities under Absolute Priority 3 should be clearly marked as Competitive Preference Priority 1 and/or Competitive Preference Priority 2.

• Applicants should respond to the selection in the same order as presented in the NIA when developing the Project Narrative. The Project Narrative should be written in a concise and clear manner and be consecutively ordered as reflected in the NIA. Clearly label each selection criteria and separately address each of the criterion.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/section-75.210

Project Narrative Format

• We recommend that you limit the application narrative to no more than 35 pages and use the standards outlined in the Common Instructions published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234), and available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025- 16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant.

• The recommended 35-page limit applies only to the application narrative and does not apply to the cover sheet and table of contents, the budget section, including the narrative budget justification, the assurances and certifications, or the one-page abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of support.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant

Budget Information & Planning

• Instructions for completing the standards ED-524 Budget Summary Form: https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms

• Budget Narrative: Applicants are required to prepare a detailed and comprehensive Budget Narrative for all proposed line items listed in ED Form 524 (Sections A and B).

• The detailed Budget Narrative is for each year of the budget over the 4-year performance period.

• This program does not require cost sharing or matching. However, you may include non-federal funds that may be supplied by the lead applicant or subawardee/partner, if applicable, in Section B.

The Federal Register is the official application submission guide. This webinar only provides technical assistance.

https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/grant-application-and-other-forms

Budget Information: Indirect Costs

• This program uses the waiver authority of section 437(d)(1) of GEPA to limit a grantee's…