Purpose
The purpose of the Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program (TGIY) is to provide a funding opportunity for organizations that work directly with gang-involved youth to help such youth pursue higher education opportunities that will lead to certification or credentials.
Process
Selected reviewers will:
- Independently read, score, and evaluate assigned grant applications.
- Provide detailed, objective, and constructive written comments.
- Participate in panel discussions to support funding recommendations.
Reviewer feedback will be used to inform funding decisions. Written comments will be shared with applicants (with all personally identifiable information removed), and comments about funded applications may be made publicly available following the review process. Reviewers are expected to adhere to all requirements outlined in this Call for Peer Reviewers.
Experience and Expertise
The Department seeks individuals with expertise and/or roles as outlined below:
- College and university faculty, staff, and administrators
- Educational strategists and evaluators
- Grant writers
- K-12 and postsecondary experience in:
- Postsecondary readiness programming geared towards students to include multiple postsecondary education options (e.g., career and technical education, community college, 4-year degree programs, etc.).
- Work-based learning programs and opportunities, particularly those that provide students wages, academic credit, or both (e.g., internships, externships, pre-apprenticeships, and registered apprenticeships).
- Supporting career pathway and workforce development programs that include academic and technical sequences in high-demand fields tied to State priorities, and lead to industry-recognized postsecondary credentials.
- Supporting the development or expansion of high-quality, short-term programs that are aligned with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations, as determined by the state Governor.
Requirements
Peer reviewers are expected to:
- Work approximately 60 hours over a 3-week review period.
- Complete virtual reviewer training (date/time TBD).
- Be available for the full review period (TBD) and participate in at least 4 to 5 panel meetings during AM or PM time slots.
- Have access to a computer, internet, and phone during the review period.
Selected reviewers will be provided an honorarium.
Conflicts of Interest
Individuals may not serve as reviewers if they:
- Participated in preparing an application.
- Are affiliated with an applying organization.
- Have a financial or professional interest in the competition outcome, including interests of family members, employees, or associates.
Instructions to Apply
- Submit a resume (Word/PDF, max 3 pages) to TGIY-HEP@ed.gov.
- Include the Subject Line: FY 2026 TGIY Peer Review.
- Register as a reviewer in GrantSolutions.gov.
- For questions, please contact the FY 2026 TGIY Competition Manager, Jymece Seward at TGIY-HEP@ed.gov
Selection is competitive and not guaranteed.
This program provides funding for organizations that work directly with gang-involved youth to help such youth pursue higher education opportunities.