Grants to Military-Connected Local Educational Agencies for the World Language Advancement and Readiness Program

Background
The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) is issuing a grant opportunity titled 'Grants to Military-Connected Local Educational Agencies for the World Language Advancement and Readiness Program' (WLARP) for Fiscal Year 2026. The program aims to enhance world language programs for military-connected students in elementary and secondary schools, addressing national security needs by promoting foreign language study among students. This initiative is part of a competitive grant program authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which seeks to support eligible entities in establishing, improving, or expanding world language study.

Grant Details
DoWEA plans to award multiple grants ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000 based on the number of military-connected students in eligible schools. The funding formula is as follows:

- 500 or fewer students: $500,000
- 501-750 students: $750,000
- 751-1,000 students: $1,000,000
- 1,001-1,250 students: $1,250,000
- 1,251-1,500 students: $1,500,000
- 1,501 or greater: $2,000,000

Eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must apply for the WLARP program and demonstrate how they will establish or expand programs that integrate world languages across subject areas or utilize technology to enhance language instruction. Applicants must also provide a project narrative that includes goals and a sustainability plan.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with at least 10% military-connected student enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year. Schools must be part of an LEA that hosts or has applied to host a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) unit. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply. Only one application per LEA will be accepted.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for each grant awarded under this announcement will begin on September 30, 2026, and will end on May 31, 2031.

Grant Value
Each grant will range from $500,000 to $2,000,000 depending on the number of military-connected students at eligible schools.

Place of Performance
The grants will be performed in local educational agencies that serve military-connected students.