Last Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced competitions for three major grants programs that provide opportunities for colleges and universities to build education capacity, engage in education research, and support diversity in their institutions. The programs include the eagerly anticipated Strengthening Institutions Program (Title III Part A; open to designated “eligible” institutions), which allows institutions of higher education to expand their capacity to serve low-income students; the Education Research and Special Education Research Grant Programs, which support education research and special education research in a wide range of areas; and the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP), which is designed to effect long-range improvement in science and engineering education at predominantly minority institutions and to increase the flow of underrepresented ethnic minorities, particularly minority women, into scientific and technological careers.

Applications for Strengthening Institutions and MSEIP are due July 19, 2019. Education Research and Special Education Research applications are due August 29, 2019 (except applications for the Education Research and Development Centers competition, which are due September 26, 2019). Follow the embedded links above to view the full announcements in the Federal Register.​