FY 2026 Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education (TGIY) Program
🏛 Office of Postsecondary Education
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations that want to help gang-involved youth access college and career credentials.
Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, and accredited postsecondary institutions as defined by the Higher Education Act. Public and private nonprofits can apply if they partner with an eligible IHE. State Education Agencies are also eligible as public agencies.
The program focuses on removing barriers to postsecondary education for gang-involved youth. Funded projects must lead to recognized credentials or certifications that increase employment prospects.
Applications are evaluated on ability to serve this population, partnership quality, and likelihood of participant success in postsecondary pathways.
This grant is for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations that want to help gang-involved youth access college and career credentials.
Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, and accredited postsecondary institutions as defined by the Higher Education Act. Public and private nonprofits can apply if they partner with an eligible IHE. State Education Agencies are also eligible as public agencies.
The program focuses on removing barriers to postsecondary education for gang-involved youth. Funded projects must lead to recognized credentials or certifications that increase employment prospects.
Applications are evaluated on ability to serve this population, partnership quality, and likelihood of participant success in postsecondary pathways.
Program description
The purpose of the Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program is to provide gang-involved youth with postsecondary education opportunities that will lead to certification or credentials.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Community College
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public University
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations that want to help gang-involved youth access college and career credentials.
Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, and accredited postsecondary institutions as defined by the Higher Education Act. Public and private nonprofits can apply if they partner with an eligible IHE. State Education Agencies are also eligible as public agencies.
The program focuses on removing barriers to postsecondary education for gang-involved youth. Funded projects must lead to recognized credentials or certifications that increase employment prospects.
Applications are evaluated on ability to serve this population, partnership quality, and likelihood of participant success in postsecondary pathways.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Education Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity Statement
- Letters of Commitment from partnering IHE(s)
- Evaluation Plan
- Data on target population and local labor market
Program contact
- 👤 Office of Postsecondary Education
- 📧 TGIY-HEP@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
Can a nonprofit apply without partnering with a college?
No. Nonprofits must partner with an eligible IHE. The college can be a community college, four-year university, or other accredited postsecondary institution.
What types of credentials does this program support?
Any credential leading to employment, including certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees. The focus is on removing barriers for gang-involved youth.
Is there a deadline or rolling application process?
This is a fixed deadline grant with applications due June 23, 2026. It is not rolling, so submit well before the deadline.
What makes applications competitive?
Strong partnerships with IHEs, evidence of serving gang-involved youth, clear pathways to employment, and realistic budget justification increase competitiveness.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards range from $1,000,000 to $1,700,000 per grant. Total program funding is $5,000,000 across all awards.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a strong partnership with your IHE before applying. Meet with the college's admissions and student support staff to ensure alignment.
- Focus on barriers this population faces. Address housing, childcare, transportation, or tutoring needs that prevent college access.
- Show realistic participant recruitment and retention timelines. Explain how you'll identify and engage gang-involved youth.
- Provide clear pathways from the program to employment. Include labor market data showing demand for the credentials you'll support.
- Request indirect costs if your organization is capable of managing federal funds. Budget carefully and justify all personnel and operational expenses.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without a confirmed IHE partner. Gang-involved youth programs lacking clear credential outcomes. Insufficient detail on participant recruitment and support services.
Weak labor market justification for chosen credentials. Unrealistic timelines for participant progress or employment placement.
Overspending on administration and underinvesting in direct services to participants.
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