High School Equivalency Program 84.141A
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that provide high school equivalency (HSE) education and preparation services. Eligible applicants typically include state departments of education, local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity to deliver HSE instruction aligned with recognized standards. Activities supported include direct instruction in preparation for HSE exams (GED, HiSET, TASC), academic remediation, assessment and testing, career counseling, case management, and wraparound services. Geographic scope is nationwide. Applicants must commit to serving eligible populations and demonstrate collaboration with state education agencies and other community stakeholders. The program prioritizes service to underserved and disadvantaged populations.
This grant is for organizations that provide high school equivalency (HSE) education and preparation services. Eligible applicants typically include state departments of education, local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity to deliver HSE instruction aligned with recognized standards. Activities supported include direct instruction in preparation for HSE exams (GED, HiSET, TASC), academic remediation, assessment and testing, career counseling, case management, and wraparound services. Geographic scope is nationwide. Applicants must commit to serving eligible populations and demonstrate collaboration with state education agencies and other community stakeholders. The program prioritizes service to underserved and disadvantaged populations.
Program description
The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Secretary of Education are soliciting applications in support of the administration of the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The purpose of HEP is to assist migratory or seasonal farmworkers (or immediate family members of such workers) to obtain the equivalent of a secondary school diploma and subsequently to gain improved employment, enter military service, or be placed in an institution of higher education (IHE) or other postsecondary education or training, which includes Registered Apprenticeships.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations that provide high school equivalency (HSE) education and preparation services. Eligible applicants typically include state departments of education, local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity to deliver HSE instruction aligned with recognized standards. Activities supported include direct instruction in preparation for HSE exams (GED, HiSET, TASC), academic remediation, assessment and testing, career counseling, case management, and wraparound services. Geographic scope is nationwide. Applicants must commit to serving eligible populations and demonstrate collaboration with state education agencies and other community stakeholders. The program prioritizes service to underserved and disadvantaged populations.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Education Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Program Description (typically 30-40 pages)
- Budget Narrative with detailed justification for all costs
- Organizational Capacity documentation (staff qualifications, prior HSE service experience)
- Letters of support/commitment from partner organizations
- Evaluation plan with baseline data and performance metrics
- Evidence of community needs assessment
- Indirect cost rate agreement or cost allocation plan (if applicable)
- Assurances and Certifications documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
- 📧 Jessica.Stein@ed.gov
- 📞 202-693-2606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.141 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$2,375,001
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$2,375,000
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$2,375,000
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$2,375,000
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$2,375,000
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$2,375,000
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$2,375,000
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$2,375,000
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$2,375,000
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$2,375,000
Top States by Funding
- CA 17 awards $34.0M
- OR 8 awards $16.6M
- WA 7 awards $13.8M
- NM 6 awards $13.4M
- TX 6 awards $10.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants typically include state departments of education, local education agencies, community-based nonprofits, and other organizations with documented experience delivering HSE services and strong organizational capacity.
What is the deadline for submitting an application?
Applications must be submitted by June 12, 2026. The application portal opens on May 13, 2026, giving applicants approximately one month to prepare and submit.
What types of activities and services are supported under this program?
The program funds direct instruction in HSE exam preparation, academic remediation, testing and assessment, career counseling, supportive services, and wraparound services to help students achieve HSE certification.
How competitive is this grant?
This is a moderately competitive federal grant program. Strong applications demonstrate clear need, proven HSE service delivery track record, strong evaluation plans, and meaningful partnerships with educational and community organizations.
What is the typical funding range?
Funding amounts vary based on program needs and organizational capacity. Consult the federal grant announcement for specific funding caps and award amounts for your application type and geographic scope.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate clear evidence of community need through data on unserved/underserved HSE-eligible populations in your service area, including demographics and educational attainment gaps.
- Highlight your organization's documented track record delivering HSE services, including enrollment numbers, completion rates, and HSE exam pass rates from past programming.
- Develop strong partnerships with state departments of education, local school districts, workforce agencies, and community organizations to show coordinated regional support for HSE services.
- Design a detailed evaluation plan that includes baseline data, measurable performance targets (enrollment, completion, certification attainment), and rigorous data collection methods.
- Address how your program will serve prioritized populations such as low-income adults, justice-involved individuals, English language learners, and disconnected youth with intentional recruitment and support strategies.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail due to weak evidence of organizational capacity or insufficient HSE service delivery experience. Another common issue is poor articulation of how the proposed program specifically addresses identified community needs through evidence-based approaches. Additionally, many applications lack strong evaluation plans with specific, measurable outcomes tied to HSE completion and certification attainment.
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