WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal agencies are launching new education grant competitions aimed at expanding charter schools and strengthening teacher development programs nationwide.
What This Means for You
- New federal grants will support charter school expansion and teacher training
- Funding will prioritize evidence-based programs and workforce pipelines
- States and education providers can apply through federal grant systems
The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor announced Fiscal Year 2026 competitions for two major grant programs: the Supporting Effective Educator Development program and the Charter Schools Program Grants to State Entities.
These programs are designed to increase the number of trained educators and expand access to alternative public school models, including charter schools.
Focus on Educator Development
The Supporting Effective Educator Development program, known as SEED, funds efforts to recruit, train, and retain teachers through evidence-based practices.
These may include professional development programs and Registered Apprenticeships, which combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training to prepare educators for the workforce.
“These grant competitions mark our continued efforts to support our nation’s teachers and empower families with education choice,” said Kirsten Baesler, assistant secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Expanding Charter School Access
The Charter Schools Program Grants to State Entities provide funding for states to open new charter schools or expand existing ones.
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently from traditional school districts, often with more flexibility in curriculum and operations.
Federal officials said recent funding rounds have prioritized programs focused on areas such as career and technical education, science and technology, and civics education.
Interagency Coordination
The grants will be administered through the Department of Labor’s GrantSolutions platform, part of a broader effort to coordinate federal education and workforce programs.
An interagency agreement allows the Department of Labor to assist with grant management, technical support, and integration with workforce training programs.
“As the Departments of Education and Labor partner to release targeted funding for educators and the expansion of charter schools, the value of joining education with work becomes clearer,” said Henry Mack, assistant secretary for employment and training.
Next Steps
Additional grant competitions are expected later this year as part of ongoing federal education initiatives.
More information is available at https://www.grants.gov, where application details for both programs are posted.
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