Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program CFDA Number 84.370A

The District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) is administered by the U.S. Department of Education, specifically through the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. The OSP was originally authorized under the DC School Choice Incentive Act of 2003 and reauthorized in 2017. It is intended to enhance educational opportunities for low-income families residing in Washington, DC, particularly those whose children attend underperforming public schools. Through the program, eligible families can receive scholarships to enroll their children in private schools within the District. The Department will issue one cooperative agreement grant for fiscal year 2025 under this program. The total funding available is $17,500,000, with up to $1,750,000 allowed for administrative expenses, parental assistance, and student academic assistance. The grant will be issued for a project period of up to 60 months, structured as five 12-month budget periods. All administrative costs must align with federal cost principles and be reasonable and necessary. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations or consortia of nonprofit organizations. Applicants must provide documentation verifying their nonprofit status, which may include IRS recognition under 501(c)(3), a certificate from a state authority, or relevant incorporation documents. Faith-based organizations are eligible under the same terms as other private entities. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required, although any proposed non-federal matching funds must be honored throughout the grant period if included in the application. The application process opens on April 28, 2025, and closes on July 7, 2025. An intergovernmental review deadline is set for September 5, 2025. Applications must follow specific formatting and length guidelines and include a narrative not exceeding 25 pages. Required application content includes a comprehensive plan detailing how the applicant will meet the priorities outlined in the SOAR Act, implement random selection processes for oversubscribed programs, notify parents, recruit participating schools, and ensure financial accountability. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of project design, adequacy of resources, and management plan. The Department will also consider applicants' past grant performance and risk factors. Additional reporting, compliance with federal regulations, and adherence to open licensing requirements are required for award recipients. Contact for the program is Beth Yeh at beth.yeh@ed.gov or (202) 205–5798.