Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center for Education Research (NCER): Using Longitudinal Data to Support State Education Policymaking, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305S
🏛 Department of Education (ED)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for state education agencies and research organizations that use statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs) to improve education policy and student outcomes. Eligible applicants include state education agencies (SEAs), universities, nonprofit and for-profit research organizations, and public/private agencies with demonstrated research capacity. Applications must include a state agency responsible for K-12, postsecondary, career/technical, prekindergarten, or adult education. State agencies may apply alone or partner with research organizations, other state agencies, or local educational agencies.
The grant supports using existing longitudinal data systems to analyze education programs and policies. Activities include evidence-gathering to inform state and local decision-making about student access and academic achievement. Multi-sector state agencies and postsecondary systems are also eligible applicants.
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Program description
Through this grant program, IES supports state agencies’ use of their statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs) to provide evidence for their own program and policy decisions, and those of their local education agencies regarding increasing learners’ access to high-quality education and increased academic achievement.
Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305S.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative describing research questions and methodology
- State agency commitment letter
- Detailed data governance plan
- Evidence of research capacity and past accomplishments
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Holly Clark Management and Program Analyst
- 📧 Katherine.Taylor@ed.gov
- 📞 2022456408
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.305 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$11,989,799
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$10,000,000
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$9,999,999
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$9,999,999
-
$9,996,923
-
$9,994,246
-
$9,938,277
-
$9,497,860
-
$6,963,728
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$6,738,010
Top States by Funding
- VA 16 awards $64.8M
- CA 13 awards $59.0M
- NY 10 awards $51.3M
- MA 6 awards $35.6M
- PA 7 awards $33.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 84.305). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $192,695,000 | |
| 2019 | $192,695,000 | |
| 2020 | $195,877,000 | |
| 2021 | $197,877,000 | |
| 2022 | $213,323,000 | |
| 2023 | $209,672,000 | |
| 2024 est. | $233,124,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $225,638,000 |
FAQ
Can a university apply on its own, or must a state agency be involved?
A state education agency must be included in the application, but universities can apply in partnership with a state agency or other eligible organizations.
What types of state agencies qualify?
Eligible agencies include the State Educational Agency (K-12), and state agencies overseeing prekindergarten, career/technical education, postsecondary education, and adult education.
What activities does this grant fund?
The grant supports using existing statewide longitudinal data systems to analyze education programs and policies. Funding helps generate evidence for state and local decision-making about student outcomes.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
What is the typical award amount?
Award amounts are typically around $1.2 million, though specific amounts vary by application and funding availability.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate your state agency's demonstrated capacity and commitment to using data for policy decisions. Include evidence of past data system use and leadership support.
- Build a strong partnership team. Include experienced research partners who have conducted rigorous education research and have expertise in longitudinal data analysis.
- Clearly connect your proposed analysis to specific state education challenges. Show how your research will directly inform policy or program decisions.
- Develop a detailed data governance and management plan. Address data quality, access, privacy, and how you'll share findings with state and local decision-makers.
- Frame outcomes in terms of improved student access and academic achievement. Show how your evidence will lead to measurable improvements in learner outcomes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without a state education agency partner or failing to secure their commitment. Proposing research questions disconnected from actual state policy priorities. Underestimating the complexity of longitudinal data analysis; weak methodological plans reduce competitiveness.
Similar grants
- CLOSED Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER): Using Longitudinal Data to Support State Education Policymaking in Special Education, Assistance Listing — Department of Education
- CLOSED Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center for Education Research (NCER): Research Training Programs in The Education Sciences, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305B — Department of Education
- CLOSED Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center for Education Research (NCER): Statistical and Research Methodology in Education, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305D — Department of Education
- OPEN Integrated Data Systems & Services (IDSS) — U.S. National Science Foundation
- CLOSED Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER): Research Training Programs in Special Education, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.324B — Department of Education