Deadline: 23-Jun-2026
The Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program provides funding to support initiatives that help gang-involved youth access postsecondary education and obtain certifications or professional credentials. The program focuses on education pathways, skill development, and reintegration through higher education systems. Total funding available is $5 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $1.7 million.
Overview
This program is designed to support structured interventions that help gang-involved youth transition into higher education and workforce-ready pathways. It emphasizes education access, credential attainment, and long-term social reintegration through academic and professional development opportunities.
Program Goals and Objectives
The program aims to:
- Increase access to postsecondary education for gang-involved youth
- Support completion of certifications, diplomas, or professional credentials
- Reduce barriers to higher education participation
- Provide structured pathways away from gang involvement
- Improve long-term employment and life outcomes
- Strengthen community reintegration and stability
Key Areas of Focus
Education Access and Enrollment Support
- Assistance with college and university admissions
- Academic readiness and bridging programs
- Guidance and mentoring for postsecondary pathways
Credential and Certification Completion
- Vocational and technical training programs
- Professional certification pathways
- Skills-based learning aligned with job markets
Youth Support and Reintegration
- Case management and individualized support
- Mentorship programs for at-risk youth
- Social and emotional support services
Institutional Collaboration
- Partnerships between education providers and community organizations
- Coordination with social service agencies
- Pathway alignment with workforce development systems
Funding Overview
- Total program funding: $5,000,000
- Award range per project:
- Minimum: $1,000,000
- Maximum: $1,700,000
Eligible Applicants
The following entities are eligible to apply:
- Public institutions of higher education
- State-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (non-HE institutions)
- Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status (non-HE institutions)
- Other eligible entities as defined in program guidelines
Expected Program Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to:
- Improve access to higher education for gang-involved youth
- Increase enrollment and completion rates in postsecondary education
- Support attainment of industry-recognized certifications
- Reduce recidivism and gang involvement through education pathways
- Strengthen community support systems for at-risk youth
How Funding Can Be Used
Funding may support:
- Educational program design and delivery
- Tuition assistance or academic support services
- Mentorship and counseling programs
- Outreach and recruitment of participants
- Workforce training and certification programs
- Program staffing and administration
- Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems
Implementation Expectations
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Clear strategy to reach gang-involved youth populations
- Partnerships with educational and community organizations
- Evidence-based intervention models
- Strong support systems for retention and completion
- Measurable outcomes for education and employment success
Application Guidance (What Strong Proposals Include)
High-quality applications typically show:
- Clear definition of target youth population
- Structured education-to-employment pathways
- Strong partnerships with colleges or training institutions
- Data-driven program design and evaluation plan
- Cultural and community-sensitive engagement strategies
- Realistic budget aligned with program scale ($1M–$1.7M range)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak definition of “gang-involved youth” target group
- Lack of clear education-to-credential pathway design
- Insufficient institutional partnerships
- Overemphasis on outreach without measurable outcomes
- Unrealistic budgeting or staffing structures
- Missing evaluation and performance tracking systems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this program?
It supports initiatives that help gang-involved youth access higher education and earn certifications or credentials.
How much funding is available?
A total of $5 million is available across the program.
What is the size of each grant?
Awards range from $1 million to $1.7 million per project.
Who can apply?
Higher education institutions and eligible nonprofit organizations, including those with or without 501(c)(3) status.
What outcomes are expected?
Improved education access, credential attainment, and reduced gang involvement among youth.
Can programs include workforce training?
Yes, certifications and professional credentials tied to workforce development are encouraged.
Conclusion
The Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program supports large-scale, structured interventions that connect at-risk youth with higher education and career pathways. By funding education access, certification programs, and supportive services, the initiative aims to reduce gang involvement and improve long-term social and economic outcomes for participants.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.