Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education (TPSID), Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.407A

The U.S. Department of Education has released revised common instructions for applicants seeking discretionary grant funding, superseding the previous instructions published on December 7, 2022. The updated document provides clear guidelines for application submission, including requirements for obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier, Taxpayer Identification Number, and registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, with detailed steps provided for the registration and submission process. New guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in application materials has been added, emphasizing applicants' responsibility for content integrity. The document also mentions the need for applicants to familiarize themselves with resources on responsible AI usage. Paper submissions are discouraged but will be accepted under specific conditions. Additionally, the document includes provisions for accessibility accommodations. The overarching aim is to streamline the grant application process while ensuring compliance with federal requirements. The notice serves as a vital resource for organizations looking to access federal educational grants, outlining key procedural elements and deadlines for effective application.

The U.S. Department of Education is inviting applications for the fiscal year 2025 under the Model Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) program. The goal of the TPSID program is to aid institutions of higher education (IHEs) in creating and enhancing inclusive transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Key dates regarding application availability (July 14, 2025), submission deadlines (August 13, 2025), and intergovernmental reviews (September 12, 2025) are outlined. Each applicant must establish a comprehensive program that provides individual support, academic inclusion, and prepares students for gainful employment through a variety of educational experiences. The federal funding available amounts to approximately $11.68 million, with grants expected to range between $100,000 and $500,000. Applicants must provide a matching contribution of at least 25% of their project costs and comply with federal regulations. A rigorous selection process will evaluate applications based on need, significance, project design quality, adequacy of resources, and evaluation quality, ensuring the effective use of funds to enhance educational opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.