Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Higher Education Program (HEP): Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development RPED) Grant Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.116W | ED GRANTS 110521 003

Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 110521 003

The Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) Grant Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), under the Higher Education Program (HEP). It is listed under Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.116W. The central aim of the program is to strengthen educational and economic outcomes in rural communities by increasing rural students rates of postsecondary enrollment, continued persistence once enrolled, and eventual completion. The program frames this goal around building and improving high-quality career pathways, meaning structured routes from education into employment, that connect students to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industries and occupations in the region being served.

In practical terms, the opportunity is designed to push institutions and their partners to align rural postsecondary education more directly with local and regional labor market needs. The emphasis on career pathways signals that funded projects are expected to go beyond general student support and instead create clearer, stronger pipelines into jobs that are both in demand and capable of supporting long-term economic stability. While the synopsis does not list specific required activities, it highlights the intended outcomes: higher enrollment of rural learners, better retention and progress through programs, and higher completion rates, all supported by pathways tied to workforce needs.

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education. The notice also indicates that additional entities may be eligible as described in the official Federal Register application notice (referenced as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)"). Because eligibility can sometimes include consortia, partnerships, or specific types of organizations defined by statute or program rules, the official notice is the place where an applicant would confirm whether a particular organization or collaboration structure qualifies.

This is a grant funding instrument (not a loan or contract) and falls under the Education funding activity category. The opportunity number is ED GRANTS 110521 003. Applications were made available on November 5, 2021, with a deadline for transmittal of applications of December 6, 2021. The expected number of awards was 8, and the listed award ceiling was $1,237,500, indicating that individual awards could be funded up to that maximum amount, subject to the Department's final decisions and the specifics of each application.

The Department points applicants to the official Federal Register notice as the controlling source for all requirements, including how to apply, what priorities apply, performance measures, and any pre-application or submission rules. It also directs applicants to the Department of Education's Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs (published February 13, 2019, 84 FR 3768) for standard submission and application procedures, including addresses and methods for obtaining and submitting an application. For direct program questions, the listed contact is Kurrinn Abrams at the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4260, phone (202) 453-7906, email kurrinn.abrams2@ed.gov.

Overall, RPED is positioned as a rural-focused postsecondary attainment and workforce-alignment initiative: it targets the points where rural students often face barriers (entry into postsecondary education, staying enrolled, and completing credentials) and ties proposed solutions to tangible regional economic development goals by prioritizing pathways connected to high-demand, good-paying jobs.

• The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Higher Education Program (HEP): Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development RPED) Grant Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.116W" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.116.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 05, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 06, 2021 Applications Available November 5, 2021. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications December 6, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Kurrinn Abrams, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4260. Telephone (202) 453-7906. Email kurrinn.abrams2@ed.gov.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,237,500.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 8 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for ED GRANTS 110521 003

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