OSERS-OSEP: National Center on Academic Interventions Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 84.326Q

The National Center on Academic Interventions grant is offered by the U.S. Department of Education under the Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program. This federal initiative is designed to enhance academic outcomes for children with disabilities by supporting systems that provide technical assistance, disseminate research-based practices, and improve educational service delivery nationwide. The program is grounded in federal statutory authority and aligns with broader national priorities to close achievement gaps, particularly in literacy and mathematics, as highlighted by recent national assessment data. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish and operate a National Center on Academic Interventions. The Center is expected to focus on improving the implementation of evidence-based literacy and mathematics instruction across pre-kindergarten through high school settings. The initiative emphasizes supporting educators and educational systems in delivering high-quality, individualized interventions, particularly for students with complex needs. The funded project must address systemic challenges and strengthen the capacity of state educational agencies, local educational agencies, and educator preparation programs to implement and sustain effective instructional practices. Funding for this program is substantial, with an estimated $3,700,000 available for a single award per 12-month budget period, and a total project period of up to 60 months. The award is issued as a cooperative agreement, meaning the Department of Education will have ongoing involvement in the project. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds. Allowable costs must comply with federal cost principles, and administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary. Grantees may issue subgrants to eligible entities such as institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies, though subgrantees may not further subgrant funds. Eligibility for this grant is broad and inclusive, encompassing state educational agencies, local educational agencies including public charter schools, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, for-profit organizations, and other public agencies. The program is national in scope and does not impose geographic restrictions within the United States. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to design and implement a comprehensive technical assistance center that addresses the absolute priority outlined in the notice, including improving educator capacity, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing student outcomes through evidence-based practices. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple components such as a project narrative, budget information, abstract, appendices, and required federal forms. Applicants must be registered in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. The application deadline is August 10, 2026, with intergovernmental review concluding on September 9, 2026. The Department strongly encourages early submission to avoid technical issues. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including significance, project design, evaluation quality, adequacy of resources, and management plan, with detailed scoring guidelines provided in the notice. The program also includes specific performance measures that grantees must track and report annually, focusing on the quality, relevance, usefulness, and cost efficiency of technical assistance products and services. Additionally, grantees must conduct independent evaluations and ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws and accessibility standards. The Department requires meaningful involvement of individuals with disabilities or their families in project planning and implementation. Overall, this grant represents a significant federal investment in improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities through coordinated, research-based intervention strategies and systemic support structures.

Align proposal with absolute priority; demonstrate evidence-based practices; provide strong evaluation methods; ensure measurable outcomes; highlight capacity to deliver national technical assistance