Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions of higher education that meet specific criteria under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Eligible institutions include public and private nonprofit universities and colleges, tribal colleges, and designated minority-serving institutions. Individual applicants, for-profit institutions, and proprietary schools are not eligible. Grantees must develop and deliver evidence-based entrepreneurship curricula available to enrolled students who are entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs.
This grant is for institutions of higher education that meet specific criteria under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Eligible institutions include public and private nonprofit universities and colleges, tribal colleges, and designated minority-serving institutions. Individual applicants, for-profit institutions, and proprietary schools are not eligible. Grantees must develop and deliver evidence-based entrepreneurship curricula available to enrolled students who are entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs.
Program description
The Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education program was created to train and educate entrepreneurs in subjects directly related to successful entrepreneurship through the development and implementation of evidence-based curricula. This curriculum must be practical and targeted to building the skills necessary to yield real results for entrepreneurs in a defined period of time. Further, classes or modules in this program will be available to any enrolled students at the grantee institution who are either entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for institutions of higher education that meet specific criteria under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Eligible institutions include public and private nonprofit universities and colleges, tribal colleges, and designated minority-serving institutions. Individual applicants, for-profit institutions, and proprietary schools are not eligible. Grantees must develop and deliver evidence-based entrepreneurship curricula available to enrolled students who are entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (curriculum design and implementation plan)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Institutional eligibility documentation
- Letters of support from department leadership
Program contact
- 👤 Misty L Roosa Grantor
- 📧 pjm@mbda.gov
- 📞 301-975-3007
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 11.802 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$3,000,000
-
$3,000,000
-
$2,999,463
-
$2,487,649
-
$2,377,600
-
$2,000,000
-
Finreglab DC$1,677,059
-
$1,618,265
-
$1,600,000
-
$1,600,000
Top States by Funding
- TX 5 awards $7.1M
- MD 3 awards $5.5M
- GA 4 awards $3.9M
- DC 2 awards $3.7M
- NY 1 awards $3.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 11.802). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,600,000 |
FAQ
What types of institutions can apply?
Public and private nonprofit colleges, universities, and tribal colleges meeting Higher Education Act section 371(a) criteria. For-profit institutions and individuals cannot apply.
What curriculum must be developed?
Evidence-based entrepreneurship education with practical, skill-building content. Curriculum must produce measurable results in a defined timeframe.
Who can take the classes?
Any enrolled students at your institution who are entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs. No restrictions based on major or prior background.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 29, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require matching funds or cost-sharing from your institution.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on curriculum design. Emphasize how your program teaches practical entrepreneurship skills with measurable outcomes.
- Document your institution's track record. Include evidence of successful prior entrepreneurship education if available.
- Explain student recruitment clearly. Describe how you'll identify and enroll entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs at your institution.
- Address accessibility. Show how your curriculum will reach diverse student populations across your campus.
- Build sustainability into your proposal. Outline how the program will continue after grant funding ends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that lack specific, measurable learning outcomes fail review. Vague curriculum descriptions without evidence-based design principles weaken competitiveness. Failing to explain how curriculum content directly supports successful entrepreneurship is a critical gap.
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