In FY 2008 the program supports 181 projects serving nearly 5,000 students.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds may be used by the participating institution to provide eligible participants with services such as: opportunities for research and other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars; tutoring; academic counseling; securing admission and financial assistance for graduate study; mentoring and exposure to cultural events.

At least two-thirds of the project participants must be low-income individuals who are first-generation college students.

The remaining participants must be from a group that is underrepresented in graduate education.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

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

Beneficiary Eligibility

Low-income first generation college students or students from groups underrepresented in graduate education that are enrolled in a degree program at an eligible institution of higher education will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with Education Department General Administrative Regulations and the program regulations, Section 647 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 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 legislation, regulations, applications, and timetables issued by the Secretary of Education. No State plan is required. Requests for applications should be made to the Federal TRIO Program. This program is subject to the provisions of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.

Award Procedures

Nonfederal field readers evaluate new proposals on the basis of the selection criteria specified in the program regulations, 647.21. Grants are awarded by 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 402E, as amended, 106 Stat. 448, 20 U.S.C. 1070a-15.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Approximately 90 to 180 days.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Continuation awards for up to 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 to 5-year projects, 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 61, 74, 75, and 702.

Records

In accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 CFR 75, 730, 75.731, and 75.732 and 647.32 of the program regulations.

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0201-0-1-502.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $45,604,173; FY 08 est $43,900,000; and FY 09 est $43,636,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

In FY 2008, the average project award is expected to be approximately $240,000. The minimum grant awrd is $220,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

34 CFR 647 and Education Department General Administrative Regulations.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Department of Education, Federal TRIO Programs, Office of Postsecondary Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-5249. Contact: Virginia Pinkney. E-mail: trio@ed.gov; Telephone: (202) 502-7735.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

For new awards, the Department will select applicants under the criteria that were set forth in 647.21 of the program regulations. Final program regulations were published on August 25, 1994. Contact the program office for additional information.