FY 2026 Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education (TGIY) Program

The Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education program is a federal discretionary grant initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. This program is designed to support organizations that have direct experience working with gang-involved youth and aims to facilitate pathways into postsecondary education that lead to meaningful credentials and long-term employment outcomes. The program is authorized under federal statute and aligns with broader federal workforce and education strategies to expand access to career pathways and improve social and economic mobility. The primary objective of the program is to fund projects that provide structured, supportive transitions for gang-involved youth into higher education systems. These efforts are intended to result in participants obtaining certifications, degrees, or other recognized credentials that increase employability and integration into society. The program emphasizes the importance of aligning educational pathways with workforce development initiatives, particularly through integration with registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs. These approaches combine classroom instruction with hands-on training and are designed to meet labor market needs. Funding under this program supports a wide range of allowable activities, including the development of partnerships between institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, employers, and apprenticeship sponsors. Projects may focus on designing or expanding education and training programs tailored to the needs of gang-involved youth, including wraparound services, career advising, and work-based learning opportunities. There are no program-specific administrative cost caps, but all expenditures must be reasonable, necessary, and compliant with federal cost principles. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education as well as public and private nonprofit organizations that partner with such institutions. State education agencies are also eligible as public agencies. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project directly serves gang-involved youth and aligns with required program priorities, including workforce readiness and career pathway development. Projects must meet two absolute priorities related to direct service delivery and workforce alignment, and may optionally address a competitive preference priority related to state-level endorsement. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov following federal submission procedures, including registration with SAM.gov and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier. Required components include standard federal forms, a project narrative, budget narrative, abstract, and supporting documentation such as letters of support and proof of nonprofit status. The application narrative is expected to address detailed selection criteria including need for the project, significance, project design, management plan, and evaluation strategy. Applications are reviewed by non-federal peer reviewers and scored based on a 100-point scale. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 23, 2026, with applications available beginning May 21, 2026. The project period for funded awards is 48 months. Approximately four awards are expected, with funding ranging from $1,000,000 to $1,700,000 per award over the project period. Applicants are advised to carefully follow submission timelines and ensure compliance with all federal requirements. Program performance will be evaluated based on metrics such as enrollment in postsecondary education, credential attainment, and participation in work-based learning experiences. For additional information, applicants may contact the program office via the provided email or phone number.

Align proposal strongly with workforce pathways and apprenticeship integration; clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and community need; ensure partnerships with IHEs are well defined