Program Descriptions
Program Number
84.066
Title
Trio-Educational Opportunity Centers
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Authorization
Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Section 402F, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1070a-16.
Status
Active
Objectives
To provide information on financial and academic assistance available for qualified adults desiring to pursue a program of postsecondary education and to assist them in applying for admission to institutions of postsecondary education.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds are awarded to institutions of higher education or agencies for establishment and operation of centers to collect and disseminate information concerning financial aid and academic programs available to participants seeking to pursue postsecondary education and to assist participants in preparing admission and financial aid applications. Centers may also provide tutoring and counseling for project participants who are not enrolled in an Upward Bound or a Student Support Services project. A grantee may not use the center as a part of its recruitment program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Institutions of higher education, public and private not-for-profit agencies and organizations, a combination of the above and, in exceptional cases, secondary schools may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Persons residing in the target area who need one or more of the services provided by the project in order to pursue a program of postsecondary education and who desire to pursue or who are pursuing a program of postsecondary education. Two-thirds of the participants must be low-income individuals who are also potential first-generation college students. Project participants must be at least nineteen years old (exceptions allowed). Required low-income criteria for participants are stated in application materials.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102.
Application Procedure
Develop a proposal in accordance with regulations, applications, and timetables issued by the Secretary of Education. No State plan is required. Requests for program applications should be made to the Federal TR10 Programs, College and University Preparation and Support Team. This program is subject to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR).
Award Procedure
Selected non-Federal field readers evaluate new proposals based on the selection criteria established in program regulations 34 CFR 644.21 and 34 CFR 644.22. Grantees will be selected on the basis of satisfactory proposals and availability of funds. Grants are awarded through Federal TRIO Programs office.
Deadlines
Deadlines are published in the Federal Register.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 90 to 180 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
For or five-year projects, annual awards. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Performance reports are required on an annual basis.
Audits
In accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR 75.702 and 74.61.
Records
In accordance with 34 CFR 75.730, 75.731, and 75.732.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0201-0-1-502.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 07 $47,006,891; FY 08 est $47,100,000; and FY 09 est $47,057,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The estimated average 2008 award is $377,000. The minimum grant award is $220,000.
Program Accomplishments
The program support 125 projects serving approximately 196,000 students in 2008.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
EDGAR and regulation 34 CFR 644.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Federal TRIO Programs, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Margaret Wingfield, E-mail: ope.trio@ed.gov; Telephone (202) 502-7547.
Web Site Address
http://www.ed.gov/programs/trioeoc/
Related Programs
84.007, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
84.032, Federal Family Education Loans
84.033, Federal Work-Study Program
84.038, Federal Perkins Loan Program-Federal Capital Contributions
84.042, Trio-Student Support Services
84.044, Trio-Talent Search
84.047, Trio-Upward Bound
84.063, Federal Pell Grant Program
84.103, Trio Staff Training Program
84.217, Trio-Mcnair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement
Examples of Funded Projects
Projects to universities and agencies to collect and disseminate information on financial and other assistance available to low-income, first-generation college-bound persons seeking to pursue postsecondary education and to assist participants in preparing admission and financial aid applications. Some centers also provide tutoring and counseling for project participants that are not enrolled in an Upward Bound or Student Support Services project. Centers are funded in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas. Applicants define target area to be served.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
For new awards the Selection Criteria in 34 CFR 644.21 are considered. Contact the program office for additional information.
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