Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program

The Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education. This program is funded under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education and is designed to strengthen rural communities by improving postsecondary education outcomes. The initiative reflects broader federal priorities to build a skilled workforce aligned with high-demand industries, support economic development, and expand access to education and career pathways in rural areas. The primary purpose of the program is to increase rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students. Funded projects are expected to develop and implement career pathways that align with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations within regional economies. These efforts are intended to support workforce readiness and economic mobility by connecting education systems more directly with labor market needs, including the expansion of work-based learning opportunities such as apprenticeships, internships, and other experiential training models. Funding supports a wide range of allowable activities that advance workforce-aligned education systems. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that incorporate employer partnerships, demand-driven training strategies, and innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence-enabled learning tools and talent marketplace platforms. Projects may include the development of short-term credential programs, expansion of registered apprenticeships, and implementation of career advising systems that help students make informed decisions about education and employment pathways. There are no program-specific administrative cost caps, but all expenditures must be reasonable, necessary, and compliant with federal cost principles. Eligibility for this program includes public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education, as well as public and private nonprofit organizations and agencies. Public agencies include state education agencies and state higher education agencies. Nonprofit applicants must demonstrate their status through IRS recognition, state certification, or incorporation documents. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this grant, making it accessible to a wide range of eligible entities. Applicants may also issue subgrants to partner organizations to carry out project activities as described in their proposals. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, following federal registration requirements including active accounts with SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Applicants must complete standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, along with an abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as letters of support and proof of nonprofit status. The project narrative should address required priorities, including rural service, work-based learning, and career pathway development. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as need for the project, quality of design, adequacy of resources, management plan, and evaluation strategy. The application window opens on May 21, 2026, with a submission deadline of June 23, 2026 at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The program allows a project period of up to 48 months. After submission, applications undergo peer review by non-federal reviewers, and final funding decisions are made by the Department of Education. Intergovernmental review deadlines extend beyond the application deadline, and applicants must coordinate with state review processes where applicable. Awards are expected to range from $1,500,000 to $2,500,000, with an estimated total program funding of $45,000,000 and approximately 20 awards anticipated. Projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, including increased enrollment, credential completion, and participation in work-based learning experiences. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program via email at RPED@ed.gov. This program does not explicitly state a recurring cycle, though similar discretionary grant competitions may be offered in future years depending on appropriations.

Align proposal clearly with absolute priorities including rural focus, work-based learning, and career pathways; demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong partnerships; ensure detailed evaluation and management plans