Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program
This grant supports rural students' college success by developing career pathways linked to high-demand, high-wage local industries.
Funder: Office of Postsecondary Education
Due Dates: June 23, 2026 (Full application) | August 24, 2026 (Intergovernmental Review)
Funding Amounts: $1,500,000–$2,500,000 per award (up to 48 months); $45 million total program funding
Summary: Supports projects that improve postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, in-demand industries.
Key Information: No cost sharing or matching required; eligibility limited to nonprofit higher education institutions and organizations/agencies.
Description
This grant program aims to boost postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion rates among rural students by supporting the development and scaling of career pathways that are closely aligned with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations within rural regions. Funded projects are expected to create or expand demand-driven training programs, strengthen employer partnerships, deploy innovative learning technologies (including AI-enabled learning), and facilitate access to work-based learning opportunities such as apprenticeships and internships. The program prioritizes flexible, employer-driven pathways—including short-term and stackable credentials—to help rural students efficiently gain relevant skills and advance in the workforce.
Projects must address three absolute priorities: serving rural communities, providing work-based learning opportunities, and supporting career pathways/workforce readiness aligned with state and regional needs. Additional competitive and invitational priorities are available, including those promoting AI literacy skills.
