Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Higher Education Program (HEP): Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.116Y | ED GRANTS 102921 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 102921 002

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) and its Higher Education Program (HEP), offered a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program" under Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.116Y. The core aim of this program is to help gang-involved youth access meaningful postsecondary education pathways that result in industry-recognized credentials or certifications. Rather than focusing only on classroom enrollment, the opportunity emphasizes practical, career-connected training models that can position participants for employment and longer-term stability.

A key feature of the program is its focus on postsecondary options that directly translate into job readiness. The notice indicates that supported programming can include apprenticeships and other workforce preparation approaches, meaning applicants could propose education-to-employment pipelines that blend training, credential attainment, and hands-on work-based learning. The intent is to move participants toward tangible outcomes (credentials and employability) instead of short-term participation metrics, with programming designed to support successful completion and transition into the workforce or continued education.

At the same time, the grant underscores the need for strong wrap-around supports. In practice, this means services beyond academics or technical training, including culturally competent social and emotional supports. The synopsis highlights that participants often need comprehensive assistance to persist in education and training, so proposed projects would be expected to include coordinated support structures that address barriers to attendance, completion, and successful transition. While the brief description does not list specific services, the language signals an expectation of holistic, participant-centered supports tied to the realities and needs of the target population.

Administratively, the opportunity was published with a creation date of October 29, 2021. Applications were made available on 10/29/2021, and the deadline for transmittal of applications was 11/29/2021. The Department anticipated making one award, with an award ceiling of $990,000, indicating a single, relatively large project intended to demonstrate impact at a meaningful scale.

Eligibility is summarized in the listing as "Others," with the instruction to consult the official Federal Register notice for the full eligibility rules and any clarifications. The synopsis repeatedly stresses that the Federal Register application notice is the authoritative source for the competition, including the detailed eligibility requirements, application components, submission instructions, priorities, performance measures, and program contacts. It also points applicants to the Department of Education's Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs (published February 13, 2019, 84 FR 3768) for standardized guidance on how to obtain, prepare, and submit applications.

For official questions, the program contact listed was Jymece Seward at the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 2B159, Washington, DC 20202-4260, phone (202) 453-6138, email Jymece.Seward@ed.gov. The funding opportunity was identified as ED GRANTS 102921 002, with the funding activity category listed as Education and the instrument type as a Grant. Overall, the opportunity is designed to fund a targeted, supportive bridge into higher education and credential attainment for gang-involved youth, combining workforce-aligned postsecondary options with culturally competent wrap-around services intended to improve persistence, completion, and employment outcomes.

• The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Higher Education Program (HEP): Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.116Y" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.116.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 29, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 29, 2021 Applications Available 10/29/2021. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications 11/29/2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Jymece Seward, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 2B159, Washington, DC 20202-4260. Telephone (202) 453-6138. Email Jymece.Seward@ed.gov.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $990,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for ED GRANTS 102921 002

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: