The Higher Education Challenge (HEC) Grants Program is administered by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This program is authorized under Section 1417(b)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), as amended, to promote and strengthen higher education in food, agricultural, natural resources, and related sciences. HEC grants are competitive and aim to enhance education programs at U.S. institutions offering baccalaureate, master’s, or first professional degrees in these fields. The program aligns with USDA's goals to create a diverse, competent workforce and improve community economic health through education.

The program's primary objectives include enhancing institutional capacities such as curricula, faculty, and instructional methods to address educational needs in the food and agricultural sciences. It also seeks to attract and retain students, especially those from underrepresented groups, to these fields. Other priorities include fostering collaboration among institutions and organizations, increasing the diversity of graduates, improving teaching methods, and advancing leadership skills and global competence in students.

Funding under this program supports various project types, including planning activities, standard projects, and collaborative efforts. Grants can last up to 48 months, with funding ranging from $30,000 for planning activities to $750,000 for collaborative projects involving multiple partners. Projects must focus on education and address at least one of the three key need areas: curriculum development and instructional innovation, faculty preparation and enhancement, or facilitating inter-institutional collaborations. Examples of eligible activities include developing degree programs, promoting hands-on learning, updating teaching methods, and building connections between secondary and postsecondary institutions.

Eligible applicants include U.S. public and private nonprofit colleges and universities that offer relevant degrees. This includes land-grant colleges, minority-serving institutions, and other universities with the capacity to teach food and agricultural sciences. Collaborations with external organizations are encouraged, but only eligible institutions can serve as primary applicants. Applications must demonstrate institutional commitment and address a significant educational challenge with innovative approaches.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 5:00 PM ET on March 11, 2025. They must include a detailed project narrative, a clear methodology, and a robust evaluation plan. Resubmissions are allowed if accompanied by a response to the previous review panel’s feedback. All proposals are subject to rigorous peer review based on their alignment with program goals, innovation, potential impact, and sustainability.

Approximately $5.06 million is available for funding in FY 2025, but the number of awards depends on the quality of submissions and available resources. Projects must demonstrate how they will continue to provide benefits after the grant period ends. For collaborative grants, specific funding allocations among partners are required to ensure equitable participation. Institutions may apply for multiple grants but are limited to one Collaborative Grant Type 2 (CG2) per cycle.

This program supports USDA's broader strategic goals, including advancing equitable agricultural systems, enhancing nutrition and health, promoting climate-smart solutions, and fostering innovation. It also encourages the integration of social and behavioral sciences with biological sciences to address challenges in agriculture and rural communities. Leadership development and global engagement are emphasized as crucial components for preparing students for future careers. For more information, applicants can attend program webinars or access resources via the NIFA website.