Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): International Foreign Language Education (IFLE): International Research and Studies Program—Research, Studies and Surveys; and Specialized Instructional Materials, Assistance Listing Number 84.017A | ED GRANTS 032823 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 032823 001

The Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), through its International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) office, announced a discretionary grant competition under the International Research and Studies (IRS) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.017A. This opportunity is aimed at strengthening the nations capacity in modern foreign languages and related area and international studies by funding projects that either (1) conduct research, studies, or surveys, or (2) develop specialized instructional materials. The core idea behind the program is to support work that improves the quality, effectiveness, and reach of foreign language and area studies instruction, and that also helps increase student enrollment and broader participation in these fields.

A key feature of the competition is that applicants must choose one of two project types. Applicants can request funding for a Research, Studies, or Surveys project, which focuses on generating evidence, evaluating needs, and analyzing effectiveness across foreign language and international education. Alternatively, applicants can propose a Specialized Instructional Materials project, which focuses on creating and publishing targeted learning resources for foreign language, area studies, or training future specialists. The Department requires applicants to clearly label which of the two they are applying for in Section 15 of the SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance), since this determines how the proposal is framed and reviewed.

The notice lays out a broad range of topics that qualify as research or study activities under 34 CFR 660.1. Examples include needs assessments and workforce demand studies that identify gaps in foreign language and area studies instruction and the demand for specialists across government, education, and the private sector. It also includes research into better instructional methods and strategies for achieving measurable proficiency, along with work on performance-based testing and standards that can be used across different settings and languages. Another eligible area is evaluating outcomes of Title VI-funded programs, such as surveys that track how graduates are employed and how effectively programs prepare individuals for national needs. Beyond that, the program supports comparative studies of institutional strategies for building international capacity, evaluations of whether certain nationally important programs would exist without Title VI support, and studies on how technology is being used in foreign language and international studies instruction.

The eligible research scope also explicitly includes work focused on dissemination and broader impact, such as studying effective practices for sharing international education research, teaching approaches, and assessment tools across the education community, including K-12 settings. It supports evaluations of whether Title VI-assisted programs represent diverse perspectives and encourage debate on world regions and international issues. In addition, the IRS program prioritizes systematic data collection, analysis, and dissemination that advances Title VI purposes, as well as efforts that make publicly supported data easier for the public to access and understand, emphasizing transparency and usability rather than keeping findings locked behind technical barriers.

Eligibility is intentionally broad, reflecting the programs national-interest orientation and the variety of entities involved in language and international education. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments (including counties, cities, townships, special districts, and independent school districts), federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses, as listed), and even individuals. The listing also includes an "Other" category that may apply depending on the specific clarification provided in the official notice. Because eligibility and any nuances can vary based on the Federal Register application notice, prospective applicants are expected to confirm details in the official publication.

Administratively, this competition was posted by the U.S. Department of Education on March 28, 2023, with applications made available the same day and a deadline for transmittal of applications of May 12, 2023. The Department also planned a pre-application webinar for prospective applicants, with details hosted on the IRS program website. Applicants were directed to follow the Department of Educations Revised Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs (published December 7, 2022) for submission mechanics, addresses, and common requirements. The expected number of awards was listed as 20, and the award ceiling was shown as 0 in the synopsis, which typically signals that applicants should rely on the official notice for actual funding ranges, budget guidance, and any constraints.

For official questions and program-specific clarification, the notice provided a federal contact person at the Department of Education: Dana Sapatoru, located at 400 Maryland Avenue SW in Washington, DC, with a phone number and email address for direct inquiries. Overall, the opportunity is designed for applicants who can either produce credible, decision-useful research and data about foreign language and area studies education or build high-quality specialized instructional materials that can directly improve teaching, learning, and the preparation of international specialists in areas aligned with U.S. national needs.

• The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): International Foreign Language Education (IFLE): International Research and Studies Program—Research, Studies and Surveys; and Specialized Instructional Materials, Assistance Listing Number 84.017A" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.017.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 28, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 12, 2023 Applications Available March 28, 2023. Pre-Application Webinar The Department will hold a pre-application meeting via webinar for prospective applicants. Detailed information regarding the webinar, including date and time, will be provided on the website for the IRS program at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsirs/applicant.html. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications May 12, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Dana Sapatoru, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, room 5C108, Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Building, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone (202) 987-1944. Email dana.sapatoru@ed.gov.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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