Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs

The Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education. This discretionary grant program is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of Federal TRIO Programs by providing high-quality training to staff and leadership personnel who are currently working in, preparing to work in, or otherwise involved with TRIO-funded projects. The overarching goal is to improve the operation, management, and outcomes of TRIO projects, which serve disadvantaged students in accessing and succeeding in postsecondary education. The program focuses on structured training initiatives aligned with specific absolute priorities defined in statute and regulation. Applicants must select and address one of three absolute priority areas, which include student access and enrollment pathways, student persistence and outcomes, or program operations and leadership. Each priority contains required topic areas that guide the design of training activities, such as financial aid advising, admissions processes, student retention strategies, performance reporting, and regulatory compliance. An additional invitational priority encourages projects that enhance career pathway awareness and workforce alignment, though it does not provide a competitive advantage in scoring. Funding is provided through discretionary grants with an estimated total program funding of over four million dollars and approximately six awards anticipated. Individual awards range annually from mid- to high-six figures depending on the selected priority, with a project period of 24 months. Allowable costs include operational and logistical expenses necessary to deliver training, such as space rental, materials, travel, lodging, and consultant fees. However, certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including construction, unrelated research, and direct financial assistance to trainees outside limited internship contexts. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, though indirect costs are capped at a specified training rate. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education as well as public and private nonprofit organizations. Applicants may submit multiple applications provided each addresses a different absolute priority. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants are required to maintain active registrations in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov systems. The application package includes standard federal forms, a project narrative, budget narrative, and several required attachments such as priority narratives and training program profiles. The project narrative is expected to address detailed selection criteria including plan of operation, personnel qualifications, budget justification, evaluation strategy, and adequacy of resources. Applications are evaluated through a peer review process using a point-based scoring system totaling up to 75 points, with additional prior experience points available for eligible applicants. Reviewers assess factors such as project design quality, management effectiveness, alignment with program objectives, and evaluation rigor. The Department also considers geographic distribution and accessibility of training services when making final award decisions. In cases of tied scores, additional criteria such as funding distribution and participant reach are applied. The application cycle for this funding opportunity opened on May 21, 2026, with a submission deadline of July 6, 2026. Intergovernmental review deadlines follow in early September. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin registration processes early due to potential delays. Awardees are expected to report annually on performance measures, including the number of personnel trained and the effectiveness of training outcomes. Contacts for program inquiries are provided, including named officials within the Department of Education, ensuring applicants have access to support throughout the process.

Ensure strong alignment with selected absolute priority and clearly address all required topics; provide detailed evaluation plan with measurable outcomes; demonstrate qualified personnel and efficient management plan