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

The Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program is a federally funded discretionary grant initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. This program is designed to address systemic barriers faced by gang-involved youth by supporting pathways into postsecondary education and workforce development. The program operates under statutory authority tied to federal appropriations legislation and aligns with national priorities around workforce readiness, public safety, and equitable access to education. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide organizations that directly serve gang-involved youth with resources to help these individuals transition into higher education programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials or certifications. The program emphasizes long-term outcomes such as employment, societal reintegration, and economic mobility. Funded projects are expected to build structured pathways that combine education and workforce training, including partnerships with institutions of higher education, employers, and apprenticeship sponsors. Funding supports a broad range of allowable activities, including development or expansion of partnerships, delivery of education and training services, and creation of apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship opportunities. Projects are encouraged to align with Registered Apprenticeships and integrate work-based learning experiences such as internships, mentorships, and paid training. There are no program-specific administrative cost caps, but all expenses must be reasonable and comply with federal cost principles. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, making it accessible to a wide range of eligible applicants. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies that partner with higher education institutions. State education agencies are also eligible. Nonprofits must demonstrate their status through IRS documentation or equivalent state certification. Applicants are required to form partnerships that directly support gang-involved youth and demonstrate the capacity to deliver education and workforce development services tailored to this population. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and involves several steps including registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, completion of standard federal forms, and submission of a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation. Required components include an abstract, project narrative, budget forms, and documentation of eligibility and partnerships. Applicants must adhere to federal submission guidelines and ensure timely validation of their application prior to the deadline. Applications are evaluated based on established federal selection criteria including need for the project, significance, quality of project design, quality of management plan, and quality of evaluation. Reviewers assess how well the proposed project addresses gaps in services, supports workforce readiness, and demonstrates feasibility and sustainability. Additional consideration may be given for competitive preference priorities such as alignment with state-designated initiatives. The application window opened on May 21, 2026, and closes on June 23, 2026. The project period is 48 months, and applicants are expected to plan for long-term implementation and reporting. Performance measures include participant enrollment in postsecondary programs, credential attainment, and participation in work-based learning. Contact for the program is available via the program email TGIY-HEP@ed.gov. This funding opportunity represents a targeted federal effort to reduce recidivism and improve life outcomes through education and workforce integration.

Ensure alignment with absolute priorities and clearly demonstrate partnerships with institutions of higher education; emphasize workforce pathways and measurable outcomes tied to employment and credentials; submit early to avoid Grants.gov validation issues