Government Funding for Colleges

The U.S. Department of Education provides grants for education reform.

One of President Obama's primary goals during his presidency is to improve education so that American students can compete with students around the world. As such, he is investing billions of dollars in grants for educational institutions. Recognizing the importance of an education, the Obama administration is providing funding for services like training, hiring, and research and development.

Professional Quality Enhancement Grants

Obama appropriated $405 million for programs like the Teach Quality Partnership Grant in the 2011 budget. Eligible institutions, such as state educational agencies or state agencies of higher education, partner with institutions of higher education to hire teachers and provide them with professional development. The grant enables the partnerships to recruit and train people from other professions and enhance the professional skills of superintendents, principals or directors. In addition, the grant is used for educational reform.

College Access Challenge Grant

With College Access Challenge Grants, governors receive one state grant and determine the agencies that are eligible to apply for the funds. The state is mandated to provide matching funds to nonprofit, federal, state and local agencies. Institutions of higher education are authorized to use the funds to implement professional development programs for financial aid administrators, college admissions counselors and guidance counselors. As of April 2011, funds appropriated for 2011 and 2012 are preliminary estimates.

Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow Grant

The Teachers for a Competitiveness Tomorrow Grant is also funded from the $405 million that Obama appropriated for the 2011 budget. Applicants, such as nonprofit educational agencies or educational agencies in high-need areas, must partner with institutions of higher education. The partnerships' primary goals are the development and implementation of courses in areas like science, math and teacher education.

Comprehensive Grant Program

Institutions of higher education and nonprofits are eligible to apply for the Comprehensive Grant Program, which is a grant funded by the Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education and provides, on average, around $700,000 per award; the deadline to apply is May 23, 2011. Most importantly, the grant funds projects that have significant education reform implications in post-secondary education on a national level. Applicants submit proposals to the fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education.

Title III Part A Programs -- Strengthening Institutions

Title III Part A Programs are solely for institutions of higher education. The core of the program is centered on strengthening accredited or pre-accredited institutions. To that end, funds provide institutions with the financial means to strengthen the administration, develop effective college programs and implement sound fiscal policies. In addition, funds are available to renovate college facilities and improve college courses. As of 2011, an average of $425,000 was appropriated for each eligible post-secondary school.

References

• U.S. Department of Education: Vice President Biden Issues Call to Action to Boost College Graduation Rates Nationwide
• U.S. Department of Education: Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Program
• U.S. Department of Education: College Access Challenge Grant Program
• U.S Department of Education: Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow
• U.S. Department of Education: Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary-Comprehensive Program
• The U.S. Department of Education: Title III A Programs --Strengthening Institutions

Resources

• New Jersey Principals and Superintendants Association: Summary of FY 2011 Budget
• GAO: U.S. Government Accountability Office
• Federal Register: The Daily Journal of The United States Government
• U.S. Department of Education: College Access Challenge Grant Program
• U.S. Department of Education: Fiscal Year 2010 through 2012 President's Budget State Tables