Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program Long-Term Project Assistance Listing Number 84.021B | ED GRANTS 011421 002

Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Long-Term Projects (84.021B) - FAQs

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This opportunity is the Office of Postsecondary Education Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program, Long-Term Project competition, Assistance Listing Number 84.021B. It is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

2) What is the overall purpose of the GPA Program?

The GPA Program aims to strengthen modern foreign language learning and area studies in the United States by supporting structured overseas projects that build advanced language ability and deepen cultural and regional expertise.

3) What makes the 84.021B competition different from other GPA options?

84.021B specifically focuses on long-term, advanced intensive language training conducted in a host country where the target language is used in daily life. While the broader GPA program includes both short-term and long-term overseas projects, this listing is for the long-term advanced language immersion model.

4) What type of project is expected under the long-term option?

Applicants propose an overseas intensive language program designed for advanced language development. The project is intended to be immersive, combining instruction with extensive in-country language use and meaningful engagement with the local culture.

5) How long can a long-term GPA language program run?

The long-term project option can be structured across different academic timeframes, including a full year, academic year, semester, trimester, quarter, or summer term.

6) Is this program only classroom-based language instruction?

No. The intent is full immersion, not just classroom instruction. Participants are expected to use the language extensively while living in the host country and engaging with local culture.

7) Are there specific rules about what language can be studied?

Yes. A key rule is that the language studied must be indigenous to the host country where the project takes place.

8) Does the program require use of local partners overseas?

Yes. Projects are expected to rely heavily on local institutions and local personnel to maximize authentic instruction and cultural engagement.

9) Who are the intended beneficiaries of funded projects?

The funded projects are intended to benefit educators and students, including faculty, teachers, and undergraduate and graduate students, by building language and area studies capacity that ultimately supports U.S. instruction and curricula.

10) Are there prerequisites for individuals participating in the overseas language training?

Yes. An important participant-level eligibility requirement is that individuals should have already completed at least two academic years of prior study in the language before joining the advanced intensive program.

11) Is this competition separate from the short-term GPA competition?

The Department runs a combined competition in which applicants must choose either the short-term GPA track (84.021A) or the long-term GPA track (84.021B).

12) How do applicants indicate whether they are applying for 84.021A or 84.021B?

Applicants must clearly mark their choice (short-term or long-term) on the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance cover sheet.

13) What kinds of activities fall under the short-term track (84.021A), and how does that relate to this listing?

The short-term track includes seminars, curriculum development, and group research or study formats with varying lengths. Applications submitted under 84.021B, however, should align specifically with the long-term advanced language immersion model described for the long-term track.

14) Where are the governing requirements for long-term projects described?

The long-term advanced language immersion model is described in the regulations referenced in the opportunity materials, including 34 CFR 664.14.

15) Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligibility is geared toward institutions of higher education, including public/state-controlled and private nonprofit institutions. The listing also notes that other entities may be eligible depending on the additional eligibility language in the official Federal Register notice.

16) Which document should applicants rely on for the controlling requirements and final details?

Applicants are directed to rely on the official Federal Register application notice for controlling requirements such as submission instructions, performance measures, priorities, and contact details.

17) Are there standardized application instructions applicants should follow?

Yes. Applicants are directed to use the Department of Education Common Instructions for discretionary grant programs for standardized application and submission guidance.

18) When were applications available and when were they due for this cycle?

For this specific competition cycle, applications were made available January 14, 2021, with a deadline for transmittal of March 15, 2021.

19) What was the maximum award amount for this cycle?

The opportunity listed an award ceiling of $250,000.

20) About how many awards were expected to be made?

The opportunity anticipated making about 15 awards.

21) Was there a pre-application webinar?

Yes. The Department planned a pre-application webinar, with details posted on the program website.

22) Is there guidance for applicants new to federal discretionary grants?

Yes. Prospective applicants were pointed to the Department of Education "funding basics" resource for those unfamiliar with federal discretionary grants.

23) Who is the program contact for this opportunity?

The program contact listed was Cory Neal at the U.S. Department of Education.

24) How can applicants contact the program office?

Applicants could reach the program contact by phone at (202) 453-6137 or by email at GPA@ed.gov.