Open Textbook Pilot Program
This grant supports projects at colleges or state agencies to create and expand open textbooks for high-enrollment or in-demand courses, aiming to save students money on course materials.
Funder: Office of Postsecondary Education
Due Dates: June 23, 2026 (Application deadline) | August 24, 2026 (Intergovernmental Review deadline)
Funding Amounts: $1,500,000–$2,000,000 per award (up to 4 years); estimated total program funding $7,000,000; ~4 awards expected.
Summary: Supports the creation, adaptation, and adoption of open textbooks to reduce student costs in high-enrollment, degree-granting postsecondary courses.
Description
This grant supports projects at eligible institutions of higher education or state higher education agencies to develop, expand, and promote the use of openly licensed textbooks and course materials, particularly for high-enrollment courses or programs preparing students for in-demand fields. The program aims to achieve significant cost savings for students by fostering sustainable, scalable models for open textbook adoption and development. For the FY 2026 competition, proposals that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance open textbook creation, accessibility, and continuous improvement are encouraged. Projects may also integrate classic primary sources from the Western Canon to promote critical inquiry and education for democratic citizenship.
