Supporting Effective Educator Development 84.423A | DOL OESE 33914

Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) 84.423A - FAQs

1) What is the SEED 84.423A grant?

Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) 84.423A is a discretionary federal grant opportunity intended to increase the number of highly effective educators by funding evidence-based educator preparation and professional development approaches. Funded projects are expected to strengthen educator skills in measurable ways, with the broader goal of improving student outcomes.

2) What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The purpose is to invest in educator development practices that have a strong evidence base, can be implemented or expanded, and can be evaluated credibly. The program is designed to produce results, tools, and lessons that can be sustained over time and shared so that others can replicate successful models.

3) Which federal agencies are involved with this SEED competition?

The program is associated with the U.S. Department of Education (Office of Elementary and Secondary Education), but the solicitation and administration for this round are being handled by the Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor.

4) What kinds of projects does SEED fund?

SEED funds projects focused on implementing, expanding, and evaluating educator preparation and professional development practices that are grounded in evidence. Applicants should be prepared to show that proposed training materials, strategies, or program designs are supported by research or prior outcomes demonstrating positive impacts.

5) What does "evidence-based" mean in this context?

Based on the opportunity description, "evidence-based" refers to approaches grounded in research or prior results that show positive impact on outcomes such as academic achievement, graduation rates, and postsecondary enrollment or completion.

6) Is evaluation a required component of SEED projects?

The opportunity places strong emphasis on evaluation. Grantees are expected to not only scale or refine effective approaches, but also produce credible evaluations that help explain what works, for whom, and under what conditions.

7) Why does SEED emphasize evaluation and dissemination?

SEED is designed to create examples that can be disseminated. The goal is not just to support one-time local initiatives, but to generate transferable lessons, tools, and evidence that can serve as models other organizations can replicate.

8) Who is eligible to apply for SEED 84.423A?

Eligibility includes:

• Institutions of higher education that provide evidence-based course materials or resources shown to improve academic achievement, graduation, or postsecondary matriculation.
• National nonprofit entities that can demonstrate a track record of improving academic achievement and other student success metrics, or demonstrated effectiveness in teacher, principal, or school leader preparation and professional development.
• The Bureau of Indian Education.
• Partnerships that include one or more eligible higher education institutions and/or qualifying nonprofits, together with a for-profit entity.

9) Can for-profit organizations apply as the lead applicant?

The information provided describes partnerships that may include a for-profit entity when paired with one or more eligible higher education institutions and/or qualifying nonprofits. It does not state that a for-profit entity can apply alone as an eligible applicant.

10) Are partnerships allowed, and what partnership structure is described?

Yes. The opportunity allows partnerships that include one or more eligible institutions of higher education and/or qualifying nonprofits, together with a for-profit entity. This structure is intended to combine educational expertise and mission-driven capacity with private-sector resources where appropriate.

11) What documentation is acceptable to prove nonprofit status?

For nonprofit applicants, the notice points to documentation methods under 34 CFR 75.51. Acceptable documentation includes:

• Current IRS recognition of 501(c)(3) tax-deductible status.
• Certification from a state taxing body or a state attorney general.
• Incorporation documents that clearly establish nonprofit status.
• Documentation showing the applicant is a local affiliate of a state or national nonprofit parent organization, paired with a statement from that parent organization.

12) Are there competitive preference priorities or bonus points?

Yes. The opportunity indicates competitive preference points may be available for certain types of proposals, including those endorsed by a Governor or a chief State education official.

13) How can a Governor or chief State education official endorsement help?

The description states that competitive preference points may be available for proposals endorsed by a Governor or chief State education official, signaling alignment with statewide education priorities and improving the likelihood that the work will be supported and sustained.

14) Are there preference priorities related to artificial intelligence (AI)?

Additional competitive preference points may be available for projects designed to responsibly advance artificial intelligence. The emphasis in the description is on responsible advancement of AI where relevant to educator development.

15) Are there preference priorities related to apprenticeships?

Yes. Additional competitive preference points may be available for projects that prioritize and expand Registered Apprenticeships, indicating interest in workforce-aligned training pathways that strengthen the educator workforce.

16) What outcomes is SEED trying to improve?

SEED is oriented around practices expected to improve student outcomes, with evidence tied to metrics such as academic achievement, graduation rates, and postsecondary enrollment or completion. The mechanism for impact is strengthening educator skills and effectiveness.

17) What does the program expect beyond local implementation?

Funded projects are intended to operate locally while also producing lessons, tools, and results that can be sustained and shared more broadly as models other organizations can replicate.

18) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?

The funding opportunity number is DOL OESE 33914. The CFDA number is 84.423.

19) What is the application closing date?

The closing date listed is June 1, 2026.

20) How many awards are expected?

The listing anticipates approximately 30 awards.

21) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is shown as 0 in the source data. This typically means the maximum award amount is not specified in that field, and applicants should consult the full official notice or application package for budget limits, ranges, or guidance.

22) What should applicants do if key budget limits are unclear in the listing?

Because the award ceiling appears as 0 (not specified), the description indicates applicants should rely on the full official notice or the application package for definitive budget guidance.

23) What makes an application more competitive based on the description?

Based on the information provided, competitiveness may be strengthened by (1) clearly grounding the project in evidence and prior positive outcomes, (2) proposing a credible evaluation plan, and (3) aligning with preference priorities such as state endorsement, responsible AI advancement (where relevant), and/or expansion of Registered Apprenticeships.