Talent Search Program

Background
The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor is soliciting applications for the Talent Search Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education. The program aims to identify qualified individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with potential for postsecondary education and encourage them to complete secondary school and pursue higher education. Talent Search projects facilitate access to student financial assistance and support individuals who have not completed secondary or postsecondary programs.

Grant Details
The Talent Search Program requires projects to serve a minimum of 500 participants annually, with an annual per-participant cost not exceeding $500. The maximum annual award is $1,000,000 for applicants not designated as state-level applicants by their Governor, while designated state-level applicants or Indian tribes may receive up to $10,000,000. Projects must provide personalized academic, financial, and career guidance, enhance awareness of postsecondary pathways including Registered Apprenticeships, and develop connections with workforce systems. Proposals should focus on serving socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, including students with disabilities and disconnected youth.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, public or private agencies or organizations (including community-based organizations), secondary schools (including charter schools), or combinations thereof. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds.

Period of Performance
The project period is set for 60 months.

Grant Value
The estimated available funds for the program are $175,152,359 with an estimated range of awards from $250,000 to $10,000,000 per year.