Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Comprehensive Centers Program: National Comprehensive Center on Improving Literacy for Students with Disabilities; ALN 84.283D

The Comprehensive Centers Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education to provide capacity-building services that strengthen education systems and improve outcomes for students across the United States. This specific funding opportunity focuses on establishing a National Comprehensive Center on Improving Literacy for Students with Disabilities. The program is rooted in federal statutory authority and is designed to support state educational agencies, regional and local education agencies, and schools in addressing persistent educational challenges, particularly for students with the greatest needs. The purpose of this grant is to create a national content center that delivers high-quality, evidence-based technical assistance related to literacy for students with disabilities. The funded center will support early childhood through high school populations, especially those at risk of not achieving full literacy due to disabilities such as dyslexia or developmental delays affecting reading, writing, or comprehension. The center is expected to provide resources, tools, and professional development that improve educator practice and student outcomes while also supporting families and collaborating with other federally funded centers. Funding under this program is provided through a cooperative agreement, with an estimated total funding amount of approximately 1,485,000 dollars and a maximum annual award not exceeding 1,500,000 dollars. The project period may extend up to 60 months, allowing for sustained implementation and evaluation. Funds are intended to support activities such as developing or identifying evidence-based literacy assessment tools, instructional strategies, and accommodations, as well as delivering professional development and disseminating resources nationwide. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements, and administrative costs must align with federal cost principles. Eligible applicants include research organizations, institutions of higher education, agencies, and partnerships among such entities, as well as individuals with demonstrated capacity to carry out the proposed work. Applicants may form consortia and are expected to demonstrate expertise in technical assistance, adult learning, and implementation science. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, including standard federal forms, a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support. Applications are evaluated based on selection criteria that include the significance of the proposed project, the quality of project design, and the strength of the management plan. Reviewers assess factors such as the use of data to define the problem, the alignment of goals with program objectives, the feasibility of implementation, and the qualifications of personnel. Performance measures focus on client satisfaction, service reach, implementation fidelity, and achievement of outcomes. Applicants must also describe their data collection and reporting methods. The application period opens on May 11, 2026, and closes on June 30, 2026. Applicants must ensure timely submission through Grants.gov and comply with all registration requirements, including maintaining active accounts in SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Intergovernmental review deadlines apply, and applicants are encouraged to begin preparation early due to the complexity of the submission process. Successful applicants will be required to develop annual service plans, engage stakeholders, implement performance management systems, and participate in national evaluations. The program emphasizes collaboration with state and local partners, alignment with state priorities, and continuous improvement based on data and feedback. This grant represents a significant federal investment in improving literacy outcomes for students with disabilities through coordinated, evidence-based support systems.

Align project design with selection criteria; demonstrate measurable outcomes; provide strong data evidence; ensure management plan feasibility