Applications Invited for OESE Innovation and Early Learning Programs in US

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is the federal agency responsible for establishing national education policy, administering financial aid programs, collecting and analyzing education-related data, and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for all. Its mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering excellence and equity in education. Through its Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), the Department supports state, local, and tribal educational agencies, schools, and nonprofits in implementing innovative educational initiatives. By funding evidence-based practices, the DOE helps scale transformative programs that address critical learning gaps and improve outcomes for high-need students. The agency also emphasizes accountability, requiring that funded programs undergo rigorous evaluation to demonstrate measurable impact. Beyond grantmaking, the Department works to strengthen literacy, STEM education, school choice, and equity initiatives, while encouraging partnerships with nonprofits, higher education institutions, and community organizations. With a strong focus on using data and research to guide educational reform, the DOE remains committed to advancing teaching quality, student progress, and system-wide innovation. Its programs are designed not only to respond to present challenges but also to anticipate future educational needs, thereby ensuring sustainable, large-scale improvements in learning across the United States.

The Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Expansion Grants 2025 competition seeks to scale proven, evidence-based practices that enhance learning outcomes, especially for high-need students. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s OESE, this initiative provides significant funding to replicate successful educational models at a national level. For 2025, the program prioritizes literacy, recognizing it as the cornerstone of all academic success and a pressing challenge in schools. The grants aim to extend access to literacy programs grounded in the science of reading, supporting initiatives that have demonstrated measurable success. Applicants may also integrate two competitive priorities: promoting state or Tribal-led educational leadership and expanding educational choice through high-impact tutoring. By doing so, the Department seeks to empower communities with localized solutions and innovative instructional strategies. Beyond literacy, funded projects are expected to improve equity, boost student achievement, and contribute to long-term systemic change in education. Evaluation remains central, as grantees must rigorously assess outcomes to confirm effectiveness and scalability. With an estimated $253 million available, the EIR Expansion Grants represent one of the largest federal investments in advancing transformative, evidence-driven education solutions aimed at preparing students for lifelong success.