Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education (TPSID)

The U.S. Department of Education, through its Office of Postsecondary Education, is inviting applications for the 2025 fiscal year under the Model Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) Program. This program is authorized by Title VII, part D, subpart 2 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), and it supports inclusive higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities. The TPSID program promotes high-quality, model demonstration programs that foster the transition of students with intellectual disabilities into postsecondary education, focusing on academic enrichment, socialization, independent living, and career development. TPSID grants are designed to help institutions of higher education (IHEs), or consortia thereof, establish or expand comprehensive, inclusive programs. These programs must provide individual support and services that facilitate both academic and social inclusion within the broader college community. Students should have access to academic coursework, extracurriculars, and housing options alongside their non-disabled peers. The model programs must integrate person-centered planning and offer meaningful credentials upon completion. Required elements also include collaboration with local educational agencies to serve students who are still eligible for special education services under IDEA and coordination with vocational rehabilitation and other relevant service agencies. The TPSID grants have a total estimated funding pool of $11,682,000, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per year. The average expected award size is approximately $432,000, and the Department anticipates making 27 new awards. Each project period will last up to 60 months. Applicants are required to provide a 25 percent match of total project costs using non-federal funds. This match must be accrued over the grant term with measurable progress each year. Applicants must also follow indirect cost limitations applicable to training grants. Applications are due by August 13, 2025, and must be submitted in accordance with the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs. The program is subject to Executive Order 12372 for intergovernmental review, which must be completed by September 12, 2025. The application process requires a detailed narrative addressing the absolute priority and specific selection criteria, including need, significance, project design, adequacy of resources, and quality of the project evaluation. The Department recommends limiting narrative responses to 60 pages. Program performance will be measured based on outcomes such as program completion and the attainment of meaningful credentials. Grantees must collaborate with the TPSID Coordinating Center, established under section 777(b) of the HEA, to participate in evaluation activities and report performance data. These include evidence of academic and social inclusion, program sustainability, credential design, and improvements in enrollment, persistence, and outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities. Contact for this opportunity is Shedita Alston at the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Floor 5, Washington, DC 20202–4260. Email: Shedita.Alston@ed.gov, Phone: (202) 453–7090. Applications became available on July 14, 2025, and must be submitted electronically following the Department’s published guidelines.

Applicants should limit narrative responses to 60 pages, use required fonts and formatting, and ensure alignment with evaluation and performance requirements.