On Wednesday, the Department of Education (ED) announced the creation of a new grant program designed to help higher education institutions emerge from the coronavirus pandemic more resilient and able to expand educational opportunities for students. The Institutional Resilience and Expanded Postsecondary Opportunity (IREPO) grant program is part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) set aside for schools with the greatest need.
The funding comes from the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides a discretionary fund to send to colleges and universities determined to have the greatest unmet needs related to COVID-19. The grants can be used in a variety of ways, including supporting students, resuming operations, and developing more resilient instructional delivery models for students who cannot or choose not to attend classes in person. The program also aims to benefit high school students who choose to start their college career early – while in high school – who live or attend high school in an Opportunity Zone or rural community.
“This grant program will help students stay on track toward their educational goals by sustaining their learning opportunities and even creating new ones,” Secretary DeVos said in a press release from ED. “For schools in need, these grants will help them keep their doors open and will pave the way for them to come back stronger than before.”
While priority for the grant will be given to colleges and universities with the greatest unmet needs related to COVID-19, proposals will receive additional consideration if they:
- Provide Dual Enrollment Opportunities to Students Who Live or Attend School in a Rural Community or Opportunity Zone;
- Are led by, or include as partners, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges, Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and/or developing institutions that are eligible to participate in Title III or Title V programs; and/or
- Are committed to developing more resilient instructional delivery models, such as distance learning, that make learning possible even when students cannot be physically present on campus for any reason.
Application packages for these competitions will be available within two weeks. According to the IREPO website, ED plans to publish the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) on August 21, 2020. Interested institutions must complete the notice of intent to apply by September 10, 2020. The application deadline date is October 20, 2020.
Sources:
Secretary DeVos Launches Grant Program to Promote Institutional Resiliency and Expand Educational Opportunity for Students
Institutional Resilience and Expanded Postsecondary Opportunity (IREPO) Grant Program Competition (FIPSE Competitive Grant)
NASFAA: ED Releases Details on New Grant Program for Institutions With Unmet Need