Timeline

The closing date will be announced in March 2009. Please check this Web site for periodic updates.

Tips and Assistance

Application Requirements

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires that an eligible institution desiring a PBI Master’s Program grant submit an application containing such information as the Secretary may require. The application must demonstrate how the grant funds would be used to improve graduate educational opportunities for African-American students and low-income students and lead to these students’ greater financial independence.

Matching Requirement

In order to receive a grant in excess of $1,000,000, an institution must provide assurances that fifty (50) percent of the cost of the purposes for which the grant is made will be paid from non-federal sources. However, the institution is not required to match any portion of the first $1,000,000 of the institution's award from the Secretary. After funds are made available to each eligible institution under the program funding rules, the HEOA requires that the Secretary distribute, on a pro rata basis, any amounts which an institution cannot use due to the failure to meet the matching requirements to those institutions complying with the matching requirement.

Duration of Grants

The HEOA requires that a PBI Master’s Program grant is for a period of not more than six years but may be periodically renewed for a period to be determined by the Secretary.

Technical Assistance Workshop

The Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, will conduct a pre-application technical assistance workshop for applicants who are interested in applying for a PBI grant in fiscal year 2009. Once the closing date has been determined, a letter will be sent to all eligible institutions providing details regarding the workshop. Department staff will assist prospective applicants in preparing grant applications and budget information.

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