Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Indian Education (OIE): State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) Grant Program; Assistance Listing Number 84.415A
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Department of the Interior, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, is seeking applications for the FY 2026 State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) Grant Competition to promote Tribal self-determination in education, improve outcomes for Indian children and youth, and strengthen coordination among Tribal Educational Agencies, State Educational Agencies, and Local Educational Agencies. The competition funds projects that either create a new Tribal Educational Agency or expand the capacity of an early Tribal Educational Agency, and requires draft and final written agreements with partners, a hired project director, and adherence to ISDEAA hiring preferences. The program is expected to provide about $2,000,000 for 4 to 7 discretionary grants, with individual awards of $300,000 to $500,000 and project periods of up to 36 or 60 months depending on the priority addressed. Applications are due June 11, 2026, and additional information is available from Linda Brake at (202) 987-0796 or linda.brake@ed.gov.
Eligible Applicants
Indian Tribes, An Indian Tribe that receives funds from BIE under section 1140 of the Education Amendments of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 2020) is not eligible to receive funds under this program. Tribal organization approved by an Indian Tribe,TEA, or a consortium of eligible applicants.