College Access Challenge Grants [2026]

: States may choose to award these funds to private agencies or local educational institutions to carry out specific projects. Key Initiatives and Activities

The CACGP provides funds to states to address the barriers that prevent underrepresented students from pursuing higher education. The program focuses on: college access challenge grants

The College Access Challenge Grant Program (CACGP) is a federal formula grant program designed to foster partnerships between government entities and philanthropic organizations. Its primary goal is to significantly increase the number of underrepresented and low-income students who enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Program Overview and Purpose : States may choose to award these funds

: Encouraging collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as private philanthropic groups. Its primary goal is to significantly increase the

: Evaluating success based on the number of students who successfully navigate the college admissions and financial aid processes. Funding and Eligibility

The grants fund a wide variety of activities designed to simplify the "college-going" process for families who lack social or cultural capital. Common initiatives include: College Access Challenge Grant Program (PDF)

: Grantees are often required to provide a non-federal matching contribution to leverage federal funds.