Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) Program
🏛 Office of Postsecondary Education
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that serve veteran students. Eligible applicants include accredited colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965. The program supports model programs that coordinate academic, financial, physical, and social services for veteran students nationwide.
IHEs must be willing to develop comprehensive support services. These services should address veteran-specific barriers to success. The program is open to all accredited postsecondary institutions meeting federal eligibility standards.
Geographic scope is national. Institutions in all 50 states and territories may apply. No specific state restrictions apply.
This grant is for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that serve veteran students. Eligible applicants include accredited colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965. The program supports model programs that coordinate academic, financial, physical, and social services for veteran students nationwide.
IHEs must be willing to develop comprehensive support services. These services should address veteran-specific barriers to success. The program is open to all accredited postsecondary institutions meeting federal eligibility standards.
Geographic scope is national. Institutions in all 50 states and territories may apply. No specific state restrictions apply.
Program description
The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success Program (CEVSS) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Secretary of Education (Secretary). The purpose of the CEVSS Program is to encourage institutions of higher education (IHEs) to develop model programs to support veteran student success in postsecondary education by coordinating services to address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of veteran students.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that serve veteran students. Eligible applicants include accredited colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965. The program supports model programs that coordinate academic, financial, physical, and social services for veteran students nationwide.
IHEs must be willing to develop comprehensive support services. These services should address veteran-specific barriers to success. The program is open to all accredited postsecondary institutions meeting federal eligibility standards.
Geographic scope is national. Institutions in all 50 states and territories may apply. No specific state restrictions apply.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Documentation (IRS 501(c)(3) letter or institutional accreditation)
- Résumés of key project staff
- Letters of commitment from partner organizations
Program contact
- 👤 Office of Postsecondary Education
- 📧 Ashley.Hillary@ed.gov
- 📞 202-693-2606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.116 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$50,000,000
-
$10,000,000
-
$8,000,000
-
$7,972,036
-
$7,959,963
-
$7,844,905
-
$7,800,000
-
$7,578,694
-
$7,319,134
-
$7,299,868
Top States by Funding
- AL 4 awards $70.7M
- CA 12 awards $48.1M
- TX 10 awards $43.1M
- NY 7 awards $30.1M
- GA 6 awards $26.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for CEVSS funding?
Accredited institutions of higher education (colleges, universities, community colleges, etc.) can apply. Your institution must be eligible under the Higher Education Act of 1965.
What activities does this grant support?
Funding supports developing model programs that coordinate services for veteran students. Services should address academic, financial, physical, and social needs specific to veterans.
Is there a deadline for applications?
Yes, the deadline is June 23, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
What funding amounts can I expect?
Individual awards range from $1.5 million to $3 million. The total program pool is $9 million.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require institutional cost-sharing or matching funds.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your application on creating sustainable, scalable veteran support models. Reviewers want innovative approaches that could benefit other institutions.
- Partner with veteran support organizations and campus services before applying. Strong partnerships strengthen competitiveness.
- Show how you'll coordinate across departments (academic, financial aid, counseling, accessibility). Integration is key to veteran success.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment by securing buy-in from senior leadership. Include evidence of sustained funding beyond the grant period.
- Use veteran student data to show current gaps in services. Strong needs assessment based on evidence is persuasive.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague service plans without clear coordination structures across campus departments. Lack of baseline data on veteran student needs and outcomes at your institution. Insufficient evidence of institutional leadership support or sustainability plan beyond grant funding.
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