To amend subpart 4 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to encourage more efficient and effective administration of the TRIO programs by mandating a 5-year grant cycle; requiring adequate notice of the success or failure of grant applications; encouraging coordination among institutional, State, and Federal programs for disadvantaged students; strengthening early identification efforts; and continuing the authorization of appropriations for the programs.
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that grants and contracts awarded under provisions for Special Programs for Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds (TRIO programs) be awarded for a period of five years, subject to continuing appropriations allowing for such awards.
Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to give institutions, agencies, and organizations sponsoring such program projects notice as to the status of their application for funds at least ten months prior to the expiration of existing funding or the proposed start-up-date.
Directs the Secretary to encourage coordination of such programs with other programs for disadvantaged students operated by the sponsoring institution or agency, regardless of funding source. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a separate director for a project funded under the TRIO programs if this would hinder such coordination.
Extends through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for TRIO programs.
Requires that participants in Talent Search program projects either have completed five years (currently six years) of elementary education or be at least 11 years old (currently 12 years old).
Referred to the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education.