Applications for New Awards; Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (State Grants), 91715-91722 [2024-27055]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 91715-91722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-27055]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Gaining Early Awareness and 
Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (State Grants)

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2025 for 
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR 
UP) State Grants.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: November 20, 2024.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February 3, 2025.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: April 4, 2025.

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an 
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to 
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the 
Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045), and available at 
www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ben Witthoefft, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-
6450. Telephone: 202-453-7576. Email: [email protected].
    If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and 
wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7-1-1.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The GEAR UP program is a discretionary grant 
program that encourages eligible entities to provide support, and 
maintain a commitment, to eligible students from low-income 
backgrounds, including students with disabilities, to assist the 
students in obtaining a secondary school diploma (or its recognized 
equivalent) and to prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education. 
Under the GEAR UP program, the Department awards grants to two types of 
entities: (1) States and (2) Partnerships consisting of at least one 
degree-granting institution of higher education (IHE) and at least one 
local educational agency (LEA).
    Assistance Listing Number: 84.334S.
    OMB Control Number: 1840-0821.
    Background: In this notice, the Department invites applications for 
State grants only. We will invite applications for Partnership grants 
in another notice published in the Federal Register. Required services 
under the GEAR UP program are specified in section 404D(a) of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(a)), 
and permissible services under the GEAR UP program are specified in 
section 404D(b) and (c) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(b) and (c)). 
Grantee activities must include providing financial aid information for 
postsecondary education, encouraging enrollment in rigorous and 
challenging coursework in order to reduce the need for remediation at 
the postsecondary education level, implementing activities to improve 
the number of participating students who obtain a secondary school 
diploma and who complete applications for and enroll in a program of 
postsecondary education, and providing scholarships as specified in 
section 404E of the HEA. Activities may also include mentoring; 
tutoring; supporting dual or concurrent enrollment programs; providing 
special programs or tutoring in science, technology, engineering, or 
mathematics (STEM); academic and career counseling; financial and 
economic literacy education; and exposure to college campuses. 
Additional permissible activities for State grantees are specified in 
sections 404D(b) and (c) of the HEA.
    Priorities: This notice contains four competitive preference 
priorities and one invitational priority. In accordance with 34 CFR 
75.105(b)(2)(ii) and (iv), Competitive Preference Priority 1 is from 
section 404A(b)(3) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-21(b)(3)) and the GEAR 
UP program regulations (34 CFR 694.19). Competitive Preference 
Priorities 2 and 3 are from the Secretary's Final Supplemental 
Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs, published 
in the Federal Register on December 10, 2021 (86 FR 70612) 
(Supplemental Priorities). Competitive Preference Priority 4 is from 34 
CFR 75.226(b).

[[Page 91716]]

    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2025 and any subsequent 
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications 
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference 
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award up to an additional 
15 points to an application, depending on how well the application 
meets the competitive preference priorities.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1--Successful State GEAR UP grant 
prior to August 14, 2008 (0 or 2 points).
    We give priority to an eligible applicant for a State GEAR UP grant 
that has both--
    (a) Carried out a successful State GEAR UP grant prior to August 
14, 2008, determined on the basis of data (including outcome data) 
submitted by the applicant as part of its annual and final performance 
reports, and the applicant's history of compliance with applicable 
statutory and regulatory requirements; and
    (b) A prior demonstrated commitment to early intervention leading 
to college access through collaboration and replication of successful 
strategies.
    Competitive Preference Priority 2--Increasing Postsecondary 
Education Access, Affordability, Completion, and Post-Enrollment 
Success (up to 5 points).
    Projects that are designed to increase postsecondary access, 
affordability, completion, and success for underserved students by 
establishing a system of high-quality data collection and analysis, 
such as data on persistence, retention, completion, and post-college 
outcomes, for transparency, accountability, and institutional 
improvement.
    Competitive Preference Priority 3--Meeting Student Social, 
Emotional, and Academic Needs (up to 5 points).
    Projects that are designed to improve students' social, emotional, 
academic, and career development, with a focus on underserved students, 
through fostering partnerships, including across government agencies 
(e.g., housing, human services, employment agencies), local educational 
agencies, community-based organizations, adult learning providers, and 
postsecondary education intuitions, to provide comprehensive services 
to students and families that support students' social, emotional, 
mental health, and academic needs, and that are inclusive with regard 
to race, ethnicity, culture, language, and disability status.
    Competitive Preference Priority 4--Moderate Evidence (0 or 3 
points).
    Applications supported by evidence that meets the conditions in the 
definition of ``moderate evidence'' (as defined in this notice).

    Note: To address this priority, an applicant may submit up to 
two study citations that it believes support the implementation of a 
GEAR UP authorized activity proposed in the application and that 
meet the moderate evidence standard. For State grantees, required 
GEAR UP services are specified in section 404D(a) of the HEA (20 
U.S.C. 1070a-24(a)), and permissible services are specified in 
section 404D(b) and (c) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-24(b) and (c)).

    Applicants can cite What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) intervention 
reports, WWC practice guides, or individual studies, including those 
already listed in the Department's WWC Database of Individual Studies 
\1\ and those that have not yet been reviewed by the WWC.
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    \1\ https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/ReviewedStudies#.
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    The proposed studies must be cited in the application section for 
Competitive Preference Priority 4 as well as on the Evidence Form. 
Applicants must also describe: (1) the project component(s) from the 
cited research they intend to implement in their GEAR UP project, (2) 
the relevant outcome(s) that are included in both the study (or WWC 
practice guide or intervention report) and in the proposed project, (3) 
the research findings suggesting a favorable relationship between the 
project component and the relevant outcome, and (4) how the population 
and/or settings in the cited research overlap with that of the proposed 
project. The Department will review the research cited by the applicant 
to determine whether it meets the requirements for moderate evidence 
and whether it is sufficiently aligned with the proposed project.
    Invitational Priority--Supporting Highly Mobile Youth.
    Background: Compared to their peers, highly mobile youth, including 
youth who experience homelessness, foster care, and/or are disconnected 
from school and work, including students who are or have been involved 
in the criminal justice system, are less likely to graduate high 
school, enroll in college, or earn a degree.\2\ Multiple school changes 
compounded by other life circumstances outside of their control result 
in many highly mobile youth being unable to access the financial 
resources, mentorship, support, stability, and guidance needed to 
complete postsecondary education or training programs.\3\
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    \2\ Student Homelessness in America--School Years 2019-20 to 
2021-22 https://nche.ed.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SY-21-22-EHCY-Data-Summary_FINAL.pdf.
    \3\ Missed Opportunities: Education Among Youth Experiencing 
Homelessness in America https://schoolhouseconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/imported-files/ChapinHall_VoYC_Education-Brief.pdf.
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    The Department believes that the GEAR UP State grant program, which 
allows States to identify and serve priority students as defined in 
section 404D(d), including students in foster care, students 
experiencing homelessness and other disconnected students, can play a 
key role in addressing gaps in high school graduation, college 
enrollment and college completion between highly mobile students and 
their peers. Through this invitational priority, we invite State 
applicants to propose projects that are designed to prioritize this 
student population.
    For FY 2025 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from 
the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority 
is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not give 
an application that meets this invitational priority a competitive or 
absolute preference over other applications.
    This priority is:
    Projects that propose to prioritize services to highly mobile 
students, including students experiencing (or who have experienced) 
foster care and homelessness, homeless students, and students 
disconnected from school and work, including students who are or have 
been involved in the criminal justice system. An applicant should 
describe in its application how it will use grant funding to reduce 
barriers to college enrollment and completion for these students both 
by (1) proactively identifying students who are GEAR UP-eligible by 
virtue of their status as homeless, foster care, and/or disconnected 
students, and (2) providing GEAR UP scholarships and support services 
that are targeted to the needs of these students.
    Definitions: The definitions of ``experimental study,'' ``logic 
model,'' ``moderate evidence,'' ``project component,'' ``quasi-
experimental design study,'' ``relevant outcome,'' and ``What Works 
Clearinghouse (WWC) Handbooks (WWC Handbooks)'' are from 34 CFR 
77.1(c). The definitions of ``children or students with disabilities,'' 
``disconnected youth,'' ``English learner,'' and ``underserved 
student'' are from the Supplemental Priorities.
    Experimental study means a study that is designed to compare 
outcomes between two groups of individuals (such as students) that are 
otherwise

[[Page 91717]]

equivalent except for their assignment to either a treatment group 
receiving a project component or a control group that does not. 
Randomized controlled trials, regression discontinuity design studies, 
and single-case design studies are the specific types of experimental 
studies that, depending on their design and implementation (e.g., 
sample attrition in randomized controlled trials and regression 
discontinuity design studies), can meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) 
standards without reservations as described in the WWC Handbooks:
    (i) A randomized controlled trial employs random assignment of, for 
example, students, teachers, classrooms, or schools to receive the 
project component being evaluated (the treatment group) or not to 
receive the project component (the control group).
    (ii) A regression discontinuity design study assigns the project 
component being evaluated using a measured variable (e.g., assigning 
students reading below a cutoff score to tutoring or developmental 
education classes) and controls for that variable in the analysis of 
outcomes.
    (iii) A single-case design study uses observations of a single case 
(e.g., a student eligible for a behavioral intervention) over time in 
the absence and presence of a controlled treatment manipulation to 
determine whether the outcome is systematically related to the 
treatment.
    Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a 
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed 
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be 
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the 
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project 
components and relevant outcomes.

    Note:  In developing logic models, applicants may want to use 
resources such as the Regional Educational Laboratory Program's (REL 
Pacific) Education Logic Model Application, available at https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/elm.asp, to help design their 
logic models. Other sources include: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014025.pdf, https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/pdf/REL_2014007.pdf, and https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/pdf/REL_2015057.pdf.

    Moderate evidence means that there is evidence of effectiveness of 
a key project component in improving a relevant outcome for a sample 
that overlaps with the populations or settings proposed to receive that 
component, based on a relevant finding from one of the following:
    (i) A practice guide prepared by the WWC using version 2.1, 3.0, 
4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks reporting a ``strong evidence base'' 
or ``moderate evidence base'' for the corresponding practice guide 
recommendation;
    (ii) An intervention report prepared by the WWC using version 2.1, 
3.0, 4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks reporting a ``positive effect'' 
or ``potentially positive effect'' on a relevant outcome based on a 
``medium to large'' extent of evidence, with no reporting of a 
``negative effect'' or ``potentially negative effect'' on a relevant 
outcome; or
    (iii) A single experimental study or quasi-experimental design 
study reviewed and reported by the WWC using version 2.1, 3.0, 4.0, or 
4.1 of the WWC Handbooks, or otherwise assessed by the Department using 
version 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks, as appropriate, and that--
    (A) Meets WWC standards with or without reservations;
    (B) Includes at least one statistically significant and positive 
(i.e., favorable) effect on a relevant outcome;
    (C) Includes no overriding statistically significant and negative 
effects on relevant outcomes reported in the study or in a 
corresponding WWC intervention report prepared under version 2.1, 3.0, 
4.0, or 4.1 of the WWC Handbooks; and
    (D) Is based on a sample from more than one site (e.g., State, 
county, city, school district, or postsecondary campus) and includes at 
least 350 students or other individuals across sites. Multiple studies 
of the same project component that each meet requirements in paragraphs 
(iii)(A), (B), and (C) of this definition may together satisfy the 
requirement in this paragraph (iii)(D).

    Note:  The WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook (Version 4.1), 
as well as the more recent WWC Handbook released in August 2022 
(Version 5.0), are available at https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks.

    Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention, 
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence 
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of 
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices 
for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers).
    Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that 
attempts to approximate an experimental study by identifying a 
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important 
respects. This type of study, depending on design and implementation 
(e.g., establishment of baseline equivalence of the groups being 
compared), can meet WWC standards with reservations, but cannot meet 
WWC standards without reservations, as described in the WWC Handbooks.
    Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s) 
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the 
specific goals of the program.
    Underserved student means a student in postsecondary education in 
one or more of the following subgroups:
    (a) A student who is living in poverty or is served by schools with 
high concentrations of students living in poverty.
    (b) A student of color.
    (c) A student who is a member of a federally recognized Indian 
Tribe.
    (d) An English learner.
    (e) A child or student with a disability.
    (f) A disconnected youth.
    (g) A migrant student.
    (h) A student experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
    (i) A lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, or 
intersex (LGBTQI+) student.
    (j) A student who is in foster care.
    (k) A pregnant, parenting, or caregiving student.
    (l) A student who is the first in their family to attend 
postsecondary education.
    (m) A student who is enrolled in or is seeking to enroll in 
postsecondary education who is eligible for a Pell Grant.
    For purposes of the definition of underserved student only--
    Children or students with disabilities means children with 
disabilities as defined in section 602(3) of the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. 1401(3)) and 34 CFR 300.8, 
or students with disabilities, as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 
1973 (29 U.S.C. 705(37), 705(20)(B));
    Disconnected youth means an individual, between the ages 14 and 24, 
who may be from a low-income background, experiences homelessness, is 
in foster care, is involved in the justice system, or is not working or 
not enrolled in (or at risk of dropping out of) an educational 
institution; and
    English learner means an individual who is an English learner as 
defined in section 8101(20) of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
Act of 1965, as amended, or an individual who is an English language 
learner as defined in section 203(7) of the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act.
    What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Handbooks (WWC Handbooks) means

[[Page 91718]]

the standards and procedures set forth in the WWC Procedures and 
Standards Handbook, Version 5.0, or in the WWC Standards Handbook, 
Version 4.0 or 4.1, or in the WWC Procedures Handbook, Version 4.0 or 
4.1, the WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook, Version 3.0 or Version 
2.1 (all incorporated by reference, see Sec.  77.2). Study findings 
eligible for review under WWC standards can meet WWC standards without 
reservations, meet WWC standards with reservations, or not meet WWC 
standards. WWC practice guides and intervention reports include 
findings from systematic reviews of evidence as described in the WWC 
Handbooks documentation.

    Note:  The WWC Procedures Handbook (Version 4.0 or 4.1), the WWC 
Standards Handbook (Version 4.0 or 4.1), and the more recent WWC 
Procedures and Standards Handbook released in August 2022 (Version 
5.0), are available at https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Handbooks.

    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1070a-21-1070a-28.

    Note:  Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner 
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in 
Federal civil rights laws.

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 97, 
98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidelines to 
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department 
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance 
in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the 
Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations for this program in 
34 CFR part 694. (e) The Supplemental Priorities.

    Note:  As of October 1, 2024, grant applicants must follow the 
provisions stated in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial 
Assistance (89 FR 30046, April 22, 2024) when preparing an 
application. For more information about these regulations please 
visit: https://www.cfo.gov/resources-coffa/uniform-guidance/.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested 
$398,000,000 for GEAR UP for FY 2025, of which we intend to use an 
estimated $35,000,000 for the State competition. The actual level of 
funding, if any, depends on final congressional action. However, we are 
inviting applications to allow enough time to complete the grant 
process if Congress appropriates funds for this program.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from 
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $3,000,000-$5,000,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $4,000,000.
    Maximum Award: We will not make an award for a State grant 
exceeding $5,000,000 for a single budget period of 12 months. 
Additionally, no funding will be awarded for increases in years 2 
through 7.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 8.

    Note:  The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.

    Project Period: Either 72 months or 84 months.

    Note:  An applicant that wishes to seek funding for a seventh 
project year (i.e., for a project period greater than 72 months) in 
order to provide project services to GEAR UP students through their 
first year of attendance at an IHE must propose to do so in its 
application.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: States (as defined in section 103(20) of 
the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1003(20)), which includes the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the United States 
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and 
the Freely Associated States. Per congressional direction in Senate 
Report 118-84 (Pub. L. 118-47), only States without an active State 
GEAR UP grant, or States that have an active State GEAR UP grant that 
is scheduled to end prior to October 1, 2025, are eligible to receive a 
new State GEAR UP award in this competition. States with grants 
remaining open beyond October 1, 2025, for a no-cost extension period 
or for the sole purpose of data collection and analysis activities, are 
not considered active for purposes of implementing this directive.
    2.a. Cost Sharing or Matching: Section 404C(b)(1) of the HEA (20 
U.S.C. 1070a-23(b)(1)) requires grantees under this program to provide 
from State, local, institutional, or private funds, not less than 50 
percent of the cost of the program (or one dollar of non-Federal funds 
for every one dollar of Federal funds awarded), which may be provided 
in cash or in-kind. The provision also specifies that the match may be 
accrued over the full duration of the grant award period, except that 
the grantee must make substantial progress toward meeting the matching 
requirement in each year of the grant award period.
    Section 404C(c) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-23(c)) provides that 
in-kind contributions may include (1) the amount of the financial 
assistance obligated under GEAR UP to students from State, local, 
institutional, or private funds, (2) the amount of tuition, fees, room 
or board waived or reduced for recipients of financial assistance under 
GEAR UP, (3) the amount expended on documented, targeted, long-term 
mentoring and counseling provided by volunteers or paid staff of non-
school organizations, including businesses, religious organizations, 
community groups, postsecondary educational institutions, nonprofit and 
philanthropic organizations, and other organizations, and (4) equipment 
and supplies, cash contributions from non-Federal sources, 
transportation expenses, in-kind or discounted program services, 
indirect costs, and facility usage.
    Grantees must include a budget detailing the source of the matching 
funds and must provide an outline of the types of matching 
contributions for at least the first year of the grant in their grant 
applications. Consistent with 2 CFR 200.306(b), any matching funds must 
be an allowable use of funds consistent with the GEAR UP program 
requirements and the cost principles described in subpart E of 2 CFR 
part 200, and not included as a contribution for any other Federal 
award.
    b. Supplement-Not-Supplant: This competition involves supplement, 
not supplant funding requirements. Under section 404B(e) of the HEA (20 
U.S.C. 1070a-22(e)), grant funds awarded under this program must be 
used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and local 
funds that would otherwise be expended to carry out activities assisted 
under this program.
    c. Indirect Cost Rate Information: For entities eligible to apply 
to this competition, the program regulations at 34 CFR 694.11 limit 
indirect cost reimbursement to the rate determined in the entity's 
negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, or 8 percent of a modified 
total direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information 
regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, 
please see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
    d. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include 
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All 
administrative expenses must be

[[Page 91719]]

reasonable and necessary and conform to Cost Principles described in 2 
CFR part 200 subpart E of the Guidance for Federal Financial 
Assistance.
    3. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c), a grantee under 
this competition may award subgrants to the following types of 
entities: LEAs, State educational agencies, IHEs, and nonprofit 
organizations. The grantee may only award subgrants to entities it has 
identified in an approved application. Under 34 CFR 75.708(d), grantees 
must ensure that (1) subgrants are awarded on the basis of an approved 
budget that is consistent with the grantee's approved application and 
all applicable Federal statutory, regulatory, and other requirements; 
(2) every subgrant includes any conditions required by Federal statute 
and executive orders and their implementing regulations; and (3) 
subgrantees are aware of requirements imposed upon them by Federal 
statute and regulation, including the Federal anti-discrimination laws 
enforced by the Department.
    4. Other--General Application Requirements: All applicants must 
meet the following application requirements in order to be considered 
for funding. The application requirements are from sections 404C(a) and 
404E of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070a-23(a); 20 U.S.C. 1070a-25) and from 34 
CFR 75.112.
    In order for an eligible entity to qualify for a grant under the 
GEAR UP program, the eligible entity must submit to the Secretary an 
application for carrying out a GEAR UP program that--
    (a) Describes the activities for which assistance under this 
program is sought, including how the eligible entity will carry out the 
required activities described in section 404D(a) of the HEA;
    (b) Describes, in the case of an eligible entity described in 
section 404A(c)(1) of the HEA, how the eligible entity will meet the 
requirements of section 404E of the HEA;
    (c) Provides assurances that adequate administrative and support 
staff will be responsible for coordinating the activities described in 
section 404D of the HEA;
    (d) Provides assurances that activities assisted under this program 
will not displace an employee or eliminate a position at a school 
assisted under this program, including a partial displacement such as a 
reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits;
    (e) Describes, in the case of an eligible entity described in 
section 404A(c)(1) of the HEA that chooses to use a cohort approach, 
how the eligible entity will define the cohorts of the students served 
by the eligible entity pursuant to section 404B(d) of the HEA, and how 
the eligible entity will serve the cohorts through grade 12, 
including--
    (1) How vacancies in the program will be filled; and
    (2) How the eligible entity will serve students attending different 
secondary schools;
    (f) Describes how the eligible entity will coordinate programs 
under this program with other existing Federal, State, or local 
programs to avoid duplication and maximize the number of students 
served;
    (g) Provides such additional assurances as the Secretary determines 
necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this program;
    (h) Provides information about the activities that will be carried 
out by the eligible entity to support systemic changes from which 
future cohorts of students will benefit;
    (i) Describes the sources of matching funds that will enable the 
eligible entity to meet the matching requirement described in section 
404C(b); and
    (j) Demonstrates, in the case of an eligible entity that is 
requesting to use more than 50 percent of grant funds on GEAR UP early 
intervention activities and less than 50 percent of grant funds on 
scholarships, that the eligible entity has another means or multiple 
means of providing scholarships that meet the minimum Pell Grant 
requirements under 20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(d) to students eligible for a 
GEAR UP scholarship under 20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(g). A State requesting an 
exception from the requirement that it spend at least 50 percent of its 
grant dollars on scholarships must provide, in its application, 
documentation of the other means of providing scholarships to students 
eligible for a GEAR UP scholarship under 20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(g), such as 
a comprehensive list of other sources of aid that reduce or eliminate 
the need for the grantee to provide GEAR UP scholarships to eligible 
students out of its Federal funding; the projected number of students 
that the grantee expects to receive aid through those sources (e.g. 
based on past cohorts, if applicable); and, if any, an estimated number 
of students eligible for a GEAR UP scholarship that are not expected to 
receive aid through those other sources.
    (k) Applicants must include a logic model (as defined in 34 CFR 
77.1(c)) or other conceptual framework.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to 
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of 
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal 
Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045), and available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs, which contain requirements and information on how to 
submit an application.
    2. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 
12372 is in the application package for this program.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in subpart E 
of 2 CFR part 200. We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    Under HEA section 404E(b)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(b)(1)), a State 
must use not less than 25 percent and not more than 50 percent of the 
grant funds for GEAR UP project activities described in HEA section 
404D,\4\ with the remainder of grant funds spent on scholarships to 
eligible GEAR UP students described in HEA section 404E. However, HEA 
section 404E(b)(2) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-25(b)(2)) permits the Secretary to 
allow a State to use more than 50 percent of grant funds received under 
this program for GEAR UP project activities described in HEA section 
404D if the State demonstrates that it has another means of providing 
the students eligible for a GEAR UP scholarship as defined under 20 
U.S.C. 1070a-25(g) with the financial assistance described in HEA 
section 404E and describes such means in the State's application.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Excluding the provision of funds for postsecondary 
scholarships required by HEA section 404D(a)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the 
application narrative to no more than 65 pages and (2) use the 
following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, excluding titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, captions as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.

[[Page 91720]]

     Use a font that is either 12-point font or larger or no 
smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the 
assurances and certifications; a scholarship waiver justification; or 
the one-page abstract. However, the recommended page limit does apply 
to all of the application narrative.
    We recommend that any application addressing the competitive 
preference priorities and/or invitational priority include no more than 
three additional pages for each priority addressed.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210 and are as follows:
    (a) Need for project. (up to 10 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the the need for the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary 
considers:
    (i) The data presented (including a comparison to local, State, 
regional, national, or international data) that demonstrates the issue, 
challenge, or opportunity to be addressed by the proposed project (up 
to 4 points);
    (ii) The extent to which the proposed project will focus on serving 
or otherwise addressing the needs of underserved populations; (up to 3 
points) and
    (iii) The extent to which the specific nature and magnitude of gaps 
or challenges are identified and the extent to which these gaps or 
challenges will be addressed by the services, supports, infrastructure, 
or opportunities described in the proposed project (up to 3 points).
    (b) Quality of the project design. (up to 30 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers:
    (i) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified, measurable, and 
ambitious yet achievable within the project period, and aligned with 
the purposes of the grant program (up to 8 points);
    (ii) The quality of the logic model or other conceptual framework 
underlying the proposed project, including how inputs are related to 
outcomes (up to 8 points);
    (iii) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of 
perspectives, including those from underserved populations, are brought 
to bear in the design, implementation, operation, evaluation, and 
improvement of the proposed project, including those of parents, 
educators, community-based organizations, civil rights organizations, 
the business community, a variety of disciplinary and professional 
fields, recipients or beneficiaries of services, or others, as 
appropriate (up to 7 points); and
    (iv) The likelihood that the proposed project will result in 
systemic change that supports continuous, sustainable, and measurable 
improvement (up to 7 points).
    (c) Adequacy of resources. (up to 15 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers:
    (i) The adequacy of support for the project, including facilities, 
equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant or the 
lead applicant organization (up to 5 points);
    (ii) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in 
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project 
(up to 5 points); and
    (iii) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the 
proposed project and the costs are reasonable in relation to the 
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project 
(up to 5 points).
    (d) Quality of project personnel. (up to 20 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will 
carry out the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it has 
project personnel or a plan for hiring of personnel who are members of 
groups that have historically encountered barriers, or who have 
professional or personal experiences with barriers, based on one or 
more of the following: economic disadvantage; disability; living in a 
rural location; experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity (up to 
5 points).
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers:
    (i) The extent to which the project director or principal 
investigator, when hired, has the qualifications required for the 
project, including formal training or work experience in fields related 
to the objectives of the project and experience in designing, managing, 
or implementing similar projects for the target population to be served 
by the project (up to 5 points);
    (ii) The extent to which the key personnel in the project, when 
hired, have the qualifications required for the proposed project, 
including formal training or work experience in fields related to the 
objectives of the project, and represent or have lived experiences of 
the target population (up to 5 points); and
    (iii) The extent to which the time commitments of the project 
director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are 
appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project 
(up to 5 points).
    (e) Quality of the project evaluation. (up to 25 points)
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the project evaluation, the 
Secretary considers:
    (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation or other 
evidence-building include the use of objective performance measures 
that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and 
will produce quality data that are quantitative and qualitative (up to 
10 points);
    (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation or other 
evidence-building will provide performance feedback and provide 
formative, diagnostic, or interim data that is a periodic assessment of 
progress toward achieving intended outcomes (up to 10 points); and
    (iii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include an 
experimental study, a quasi-experimental design study, or a 
correlational study with statistical controls for selection bias (such 
as regression methods to account for differences between a treatment 
group and a comparison group) to assess the effectiveness of the 
project on relevant outcomes (up to 5 points).

    Note: For the selection criterion ``Quality of personnel'' in 
paragraph (d), applicants are encouraged to include in their 
application that they are committed to paying their staff a living 
wage for the local area and providing benefits.

    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project

[[Page 91721]]

objectives, and compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may 
also consider whether the applicant failed to submit a timely 
performance report or submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    As required by 20 U.S.C. 1070a-23(d), a panel of non-Federal 
reviewers will review each application for this competition in 
accordance with the procedures described in 34 CFR 75.217. The 
individual scores of the reviewers will be added and the sum divided by 
the number of reviewers to determine the peer review score received in 
the review process.
    If there are insufficient funds for all applications with the same 
total scores, the Secretary will select among tied applications 
according to the following procedures. The first tiebreaker criterion 
will be to select for funding the tied applicant(s) representing the 
State(s) that has gone longest since being funded under the GEAR UP 
State program. The second tiebreaker will be to fund, from the States 
tied after implementing the first tiebreaker, the States with the 
highest percentage of individuals living in poverty based on Small Area 
Income and Poverty Estimates Program (SAIPE) data (age range 5-17) or 
decennial census data, as appropriate.
    3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.206, before awarding grants under this competition the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, under 2 CFR 
3474.10, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant 
if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of 
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system 
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not 
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not 
responsible.
    4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this 
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project 
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently 
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal 
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make 
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that 
is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as 
the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may 
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal 
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
    Please note that, if the total value of your currently active 
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the 
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity 
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal 
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award 
Notification (GAN), or we may send you an email containing a link to 
access an electronic version of your GAN. We also may notify you 
informally.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you 
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to 
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in 
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of 
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those 
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent 
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or 
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. 
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant 
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. 
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your 
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional 
information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 
3474.20.
    4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. See the standards in 
2 CFR 170.105 to determine whether you are covered by 2 CFR part 170.
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the 
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual 
performance report that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance 
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, 
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    (c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee 
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In 
this case, the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
    5. Performance Measures: The performance measures for the GEAR UP 
Program are established for purposes of Department reporting under 34 
CFR 75.110. The objectives of the GEAR UP program are (1) to increase 
the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of 
participating students; (2) to increase the rate of high school 
graduation and participation in postsecondary education of 
participating students; and (3) to increase education expectations for 
participating students and increase student and family knowledge of 
postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.
    The effectiveness of this program depends on the rate at which 
program participants complete high school and enroll in and complete a 
postsecondary education. We developed the following performance 
measures to track progress toward achieving the program's goals:
    1. The percentage of GEAR UP students who pass Algebra 1 or its 
equivalent by the end of ninth grade.
    2. The percentage of GEAR UP students who graduate from high 
school.

[[Page 91722]]

    3. The percentage of GEAR UP students who complete the Free 
Application for Federal Student Aid.
    4. The percentage of GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP students 
who are enrolled at an IHE.
    5. The percentage of current GEAR UP students and former GEAR UP 
students who enrolled at an IHE and persisted to the second year of 
postsecondary education at the initial or a subsequent IHE.
    In addition, to assess the efficiency of the program, we track the 
average cost, in Federal funds, of achieving a successful outcome, 
where success is defined as enrollment in a program of undergraduate 
instruction at an IHE of GEAR UP students immediately after high school 
graduation. These performance measures constitute GEAR UP's indicators 
of the success of the program. Accordingly, we require that applicants 
include these performance measures in conceptualizing the design, 
implementation, and evaluation of their proposed projects.
    6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, whether 
the grantee has made substantial progress in achieving the performance 
targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities 
can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an 
accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an 
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text 
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, 
audiotape, compact disc, or other accessible format.
    Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this 
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may 
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of 
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this 
document, as well as all other Department documents published in the 
Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF 
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the 
site.
    You may also access Department documents published in the Federal 
Register by using the article search feature at 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

Nasser H. Paydar,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2024-27055 Filed 11-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P