Magnet Schools Assistance

CFDA 84.165 Active Project Grants

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$137.6M FY2025
$96.6M
FY16
$97.6M
FY17
$105M
FY18
$113.7M
FY19
$105.8M
FY20
$107.9M
FY21
$122.6M
FY22
$137.3M
FY23
$137.6M
FY24*
$137.6M
FY25*
* estimated

Program Objective

To provide grants to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish and operate magnet schools that are operated under court-ordered, agency-ordered, or federally approved voluntary desegregation plans. Magnet programs aim to eliminate, reduce, or prevent minority-group isolation in elementary and secondary schools while strengthening students' academic achievement.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Federal

LEAs that are implementing court-ordered, agency-ordered or federally approved voluntary desegregation plans that include magnet schools are eligible to apply.

Beneficiaries

  • 5
  • 52
  • 66
  • 67

LEAs and participating students will benefit.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

Application notices are published in the Federal Register and applications must be sent to the Education Department on or before the closing date.

Award Procedure

Recommendations for the approval of applications are made by the program staff on the basis of published criteria, statutory priorities, State comments received under the E.O. 12372 process, and with the advice and assistance of a panel of independent reviewers. In addition, no application may be approved unless the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights determines that all required assurances will be met.

The range is anticipated to be 90 to 120 days from the closing date.

Program details & compliance

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Funds may be used, among other things, for planning and promotional activities directly related to the development, expansion, continuation, or enhancement of academic programs offered at magnet schools; for purchasing books, materials, equipment; and for paying or subsidizing the salaries of teachers and instructional staff in magnet schools. Funds may also be used for transportation of students to and from a magnet school assuming transportation is sustainable beyond the grant period and transportation costs do not represent a significant portion of the grant funds received by the eligible LEA. Funds may not be used on activities that are not directly related to improving student academic achievement. A grantee may use not more than 50 percent of funds in the first year of the grant, and not more than 15 percent in the second and third years, for planning.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit a copy of the desegregation plan they are implementing, or will implement, if assistance is made available. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required
Yes

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Gillian Cohen-Boyer
2024011259
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW,, Washington, DC 20202
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2024-11-12. Spec v1.0. Last synced: 2026-06-02 02:42:31.