Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Department of Labor, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education, is soliciting FY 2026 Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development grants to improve enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students. The program funds development of career pathways aligned with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations, with emphasis on earn-while-you-learn models, workforce development, and integrating AI into education. Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education and public or private nonprofit organizations, and applications must address the program’s absolute, competitive preference, and invitational priorities within a 48-month project period. The program estimates $45 million in total funding for about 20 awards of $1.5 million to $2.5 million each, and electronically submitted applications are due by June 23, 2026 at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time; questions may be directed to RPED@ed.gov.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1001), that are public or private nonprofit IHEs, and public and private nonprofit organizations and agencies.Note: "Public agencies" includes State Education Agencies and State Higher Education Agencies.Note: An applicant that is a nonprofit organization may, under 34 CFR 75.51, demonstrate its nonprofit status by providing: Proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A statement from a state taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual. A certified copy of the applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or Any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.