U.S. Department of Education opens FY2026 TGIY grant competition; estimated $5 million available

The U.S. Department of Education on June 3 launched technical guidance for the FY2026 Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education (TGIY) grant competition, announcing an estimated $5 million in available funds and a June 23, 2026 application deadline.

Jymece Seward, the TGIY competition manager and program lead, said the notice was published on Grants.gov on May 21, 2026 and reiterated that "This webinar provides technical assistance only. Always refer to the ANI for authoritative guidance." She provided the program mailbox (TGIY-HEP@ed.gov) and said the slide deck and recording will be posted on the TGIY program webpage.

The TGIY program, administered jointly by the Department of Education and the Department of Labor, aims to fund institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations with direct experience serving gang-involved youth to create postsecondary pathways that lead to recognized credentials, work-based learning and improved employment outcomes. Projects must address two Absolute Priorities in the project narrative: 1) working directly with gang-involved youth to support higher-education access and 2) career pathways and workforce readiness, which can include Registered Apprenticeships, internships and industry-recognized credentials.

Why it matters: The competition ties education interventions to workforce outcomes, reflecting the administration's stated emphasis on connecting learning pathways to in-demand, high-wage careers. The Department emphasized measurable labor-market outcomes, AI literacy components and partnerships among colleges, nonprofits and employers.

Who can apply and the award terms: Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education and public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations (public agencies include state education agencies). The Assistance Listing Number for this award is 84.116Y. The Department described estimated funds of $5 million, with an estimated four awards in the $1 million–$1.7 million range and project periods up to 48 months. Seward noted there are no cost-sharing or supplement-not-supplant requirements and that the program uses an unrestricted indirect cost rate; sub-grantees are permitted.

Application guidance and review criteria: Applications must follow the Announcement Notice and Instructions (ANI). The selection process uses peer reviewers and a selection-criteria total of 100 points (with a possible additional 10 points if an applicant addresses the optional Competitive Preference Priority, "Returning Education to the States", and provides a governor or chief state education official endorsement). The point allocations include Need (20), Significance (10), Quality of Project Design (30), Management Plan (30) and Quality of Project Evaluation (10). Seward urged applicants to organize the project narrative in the order of the selection criteria and to submit required forms through Grants.gov (SF-424, SF-424A, abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, Other Attachments Form and necessary assurances and certifications).

Performance measures and reporting: The Department identified three required performance measures for funded projects: 1) number and percentage of participants enrolled in postsecondary programs; 2) number and percentage earning a certificate, degree or credential; and 3) number and percentage active in internships, pre-apprenticeships, Registered Apprenticeships or other work experiences. Funded projects must submit annual performance and financial reports and a final performance report at the end of the project period.

Practical application tips: Seward walked applicants through Grants.gov navigation, cautioned against attaching narrative documents to the SF-424, and described required attachments for demonstrating nonprofit status, partner letters, CVs and evidence for the Competitive Preference Priority (if claimed). She recommended clear goals, measurable objectives, realistic budgets and documentation of community engagement, management responsibilities and evaluation plans.

Next steps: Applicants should consult the ANI on Grants.gov and the Federal Register as the authoritative source for application instructions, prepare the required forms and attachments, and contact TGIY-HEP@ed.gov with questions. The Department will post the webinar recording and slide deck on the TGIY program webpage under Resources.