The U.S. Department of Education has revised its common instructions for applications to discretionary grant programs, superseding the prior version published on December 7, 2022. This central document now provides a streamlined set of guidelines for applicants, emphasizing clarity and the introduction of guidance on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in grant materials. Key application requirements include obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), registering in the System for Award Management (SAM), and submitting applications electronically via Grants.gov. The Department stresses the need for timely submissions and compliance with specified formats, recommending read-only flattened PDFs. Applicants using AI tools are reminded of their accountability for content integrity and compliance with principles of responsible AI use. Additionally, while electronic applications are preferred, a process for submitting paper applications exists, though it requires prior notification and must adhere to strict postmarking timelines. The updated instructions aim to support applicants while ensuring adherence to essential application protocols in the grant process.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for new awards for the 2025 fiscal year under the Indian Education Discretionary Grants Programs, specifically the Professional Development (PD) for Training Grants and the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI). These initiatives aim to enhance the number of qualified Indian educators and administrators, focusing on training programs that meet the specific linguistic and cultural needs of Native American students. The program encourages creative solutions to overcome barriers faced by prospective Indian educators. Key elements of the application process include a set of absolute priorities, one focused on pre-service teacher training and the other on administrator training. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to recruit and retain qualified Indian individuals, with established performance measures for accountability. Additional points for evaluation include the quality of the project design, participant services, personnel qualifications, resource adequacy, management plans, and evaluation methods. The Department emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local educational agencies and clear plans for dissemination of project deliverables. Projects funded will receive up to $500,000, and the deadlines for application submissions and intent notices are outlined to facilitate timely and organized processing.

The document outlines final regulations recently amended by the Department of Education concerning the Indian Education Professional Development Program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The primary focus is to enhance educator retention efforts to improve academic outcomes for Indian students. Key amendments include the definition of "educator," the introduction of priorities for retention projects, and the restructuring of participant payback requirements for pre-service training. These regulations do not impose significant costs or burdens on grantees; rather, they aim to increase the number of qualified Indian educators while offering flexibility in fulfilling payback obligations for participants impacted by certain circumstances, such as disability or active military duty. The National Park Service is also highlighted, implementing the Visitor Experience Improvements Authority to expand commercial visitor services, generating substantial revenue, and enhancing park visitor experiences. Both sections reflect the government's commitment to enhancing education and visitor services through strategic policies and regulatory improvements, promoting better outcomes and experiences for specific communities.