Lena Heier
In her role as a Higher Education Senior Research Analyst, Lena Heier supports Directors and Managing Directors by identifying and researching federal and foundation funding opportunities for clients. She also assists with various other funding research and coordination needs of the Higher Education Practice.
TRIO Talent Search Program Solicitation Released
On March 17, 2026, the Department of Labor, on behalf of the Department of Education, released the TRIO Talent Search Program with a May 1, 2026 deadline. This is the first postsecondary education grant program being executed under the interagency agreements announced last year.
This long-running grant program aims to assist and encourage secondary students from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete secondary school and pursue higher education.
TRIO Talent Search program funding provides a wide range of educational support services for students, including:
This competition reflects the final FY26 appropriations passed by Congress in February, which included over $1 billion in funding across all TRIO programs. Congress also included language directing the Department of Education to “ensure that funding opportunity announcements are posted, noncompeting continuation awards are made, new grants are awarded, and funding is disbursed all in a timely, efficient, and consistent manner.”
TRIO Talent Search Returns with a New Focus on State Government Funding
This round, several changes to the program were made, aligning with the Department of Education Secretary’s Priorities.
Education Choice
The program requires applicants to expand access to alternative post-secondary education opportunities, a turn from the program’s college-focused history. This includes distance education, Registered Apprenticeships, and programs that lead to in-demand, industry-recognized postsecondary credentials.
Emphasis on the States
Applications that are carried out by state educational agencies, state workforce development agencies or boards, state higher education agencies, or an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or Tribal educational agency will receive an additional 5 points in the review process.
Additionally, state-level applicants are permitted to apply for up to $50,000,000 over 5 years. These applicants must be designated by their state’s Governor, with only one permitted per state.
Non-state-level applicants can apply for up to $5,000,000 over 5 years.
Subawards are allowed under this program, including to institutions of higher education.
shifting priorities and can pivot quickly to be successful. We have supported over $106M in TRIO funds awarded to small and mid-sized colleges and universities. If you are interested in learning more about upcoming grant opportunities in 2026, please contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
What Should Colleges & Universities Do Next?
Applicants for Talent Search are due on May 1, 2026. If your institution is interested in applying, start by reviewing the solicitation, collecting data, and contacting potential partners.
The shifts in the Talent Search program guidelines, including the competitive preference priorities and high award amount for state-level applicants, may mean subawards are a better fit for your institution. In that case, monitor award notifications in your state and start discussions with your state higher education agencies and workforce development agencies as soon as possible.
If Talent Search isn’t right for your institution, stay on the lookout. The Department of Education is expected to release more TRIO program competitions this spring and summer.
Discover the McAllister & Quinn Impact
McAllister & Quinn helps colleges and universities prepare competitive grant applications for key grant programs like TRIO Talent Search. Our strategic intelligence ensures institutions stay ahead of shifting priorities and can pivot quickly to be successful. We have supported over $106M in TRIO funds awarded to small and mid-sized colleges and universities. If you are interested in learning more about upcoming grant opportunities in 2026, please contact us today for a complimentary consultation.