College Access Challenge Grants [2026 Release]

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)

Funds are distributed to states based on a statutory formula that considers the number of residents living below the poverty line within specific age ranges (typically ages 5–17 and 15–44). college access challenge grants

: Encouraging collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as private philanthropic groups. The grants fund a wide variety of activities

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

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

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