The Demonstration Grants for Indian Children and Youth Program—Native Youth Community Projects (NYCP), administered by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, aims to support community-driven initiatives that improve educational outcomes for Indian students. The primary goal is to prepare these students for college and career readiness by addressing local challenges through innovative and culturally relevant approaches. The grant is discretionary in nature and is guided by statutory authority under 20 U.S.C. 7441.

The estimated available funding for fiscal year 2025 is $20 million out of a $72 million request for Special Programs for Indian Children. Awards will range from $400,000 to $500,000, with an average size of approximately $450,000. The Department expects to make about 45 awards. Projects can span up to 36 months with the potential for a 24-month renewal, contingent on demonstrated progress and continued relevance of the initiative.

Eligibility for the grant includes a wide array of entities such as State educational agencies, local educational agencies, Indian Tribes and organizations, BIE-funded and tribally controlled schools, and Tribal Colleges or Universities. Projects must be community-based, supported by a consortium or partnership involving tribes and local educational institutions, and informed by a recent needs assessment or similar data analysis. A signed partnership agreement outlining roles and responsibilities is required. Applications must demonstrate how Indian families and tribes will be involved in both the development and implementation phases.

Applications must address one absolute priority: Native Youth Community Projects, which includes six core requirements, such as focusing on a defined geographic area and being driven by evidence and measurable outcomes. Competitive Preference Priorities may provide additional points, including lead Tribal applicant status, tribal partnership, and incorporation of early learning or career preparation programs.

Key deadlines include the availability of applications on January 17, 2025, a Notice of Intent to Apply due February 18, 2025, a pre-application webinar on February 3, 2025, the application deadline of April 28, 2025, and the intergovernmental review deadline of June 26, 2025. Applications must be submitted following specific formatting and submission guidelines outlined in the notice.

Contact for further information is Donna Bussell at the Department of Education, reachable at donna.bussell@ed.gov or via phone at (202) 987-0204. Projects must comply with federal civil rights and nondiscrimination regulations, and applicants are encouraged to include confidentiality designations for proprietary information. Successful grantees must also budget for annual participation in a Project Directors’ meeting in Washington, D.C.