Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program CFDA Number 84.370A
ID: 358737Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Department of Education (ED)

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Education

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358737

Additional Information

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/23/2025-07024/applications-for-new-awards-opportunity-scholarship-program
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Education is inviting applications for the District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), aimed at providing low-income parents with expanded educational options for their children attending the District's lowest-performing schools. The program seeks to award a cooperative agreement grant totaling $17.5 million to nonprofit organizations or consortia that can effectively implement scholarship programs for private school enrollment. This initiative is crucial for enhancing educational choice and support for families in Washington, D.C., and the application process will open on April 28, 2025, with a submission deadline of July 7, 2025. Interested applicants can contact Beth Yeh at the U.S. Department of Education via email at beth.yeh@ed.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    beth.yeh@ed.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    2024-30488.pdf
    The Department of Education has issued revised common instructions for applicants seeking discretionary grant funding. This update replaces earlier guidelines published in December 2022, streamlining application processes and specifying requirements. Applicants are required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and to maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, with specific formatting and content guidelines. A notable addition includes guidance on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in application materials, underscoring the importance of integrity in submissions. The Department emphasizes that applicants are accountable for content, even when AI tools are utilized. The document also details procedures for submitting applications, deadlines, and provides contact information for assistance. It encourages early submission and outlines what to do in case of technical problems with the Grants.gov system. The intent of these instructions is to facilitate better access and clarity for applicants while ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements, demonstrating the Department's ongoing commitment to improving educational funding opportunities.
    2025-07024.pdf
    The document outlines the Department of Education's invitation for applications for the District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) for fiscal year 2025. The OSP aims to enhance educational options for low-income parents of children attending the District's lowest-performing schools by providing scholarships for private school enrollment. Applications will be available starting April 28, 2025, with a submission deadline of July 7, 2025, and intergovernmental review due by September 5, 2025. The program anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement grant totaling $17.5 million, which may cover administrative expenses, parental assistance, and student academic assistance. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and consortiums, and the project period spans up to five years. The application requires detailed plans addressing various operational aspects, including selection processes for scholarships and collaboration with participating schools. Evaluation criteria for submissions emphasize project design, resource adequacy, and management quality. The document serves as a comprehensive guide for potential grantees, specifying the necessary compliance and reporting obligations while underscoring the program's commitment to expanding educational choice within Washington, D.C.
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