Transmittal Memo

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

MEMORANDUM Washington, DC 20006-8521

Date:

To: Sharon Mar

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs

Office of Management and Budget

Through: Alan J. Schiff

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary

For Higher Education Programs

Office of Postsecondary Education

From: Lynn B. Mahaffie

Director

Teacher and Student Development Programs Service

Subject: Request for OMB Approval of the Application for Grants under the Predominantly Black Institutions Program—CFDA No. 84.031P

Attached please find the information collection clearance package for OMB No. 1840-NEW, the Application for Grants under the Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Program. In compliance with Section 318 of Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act, as amended (HEA), this application collects information from institutions of higher education seeking funding under this program.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 amended Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act to include Section 318 - The PBI Program. The PBI Program makes 5-year grant awards to eligible colleges and universities to plan, develop, undertake and implement programs to enhance the institution’s capacity to serve more low- and middle-income Black American students; to expand higher education opportunities for eligible students by encouraging college preparation and student persistence in secondary school and postsecondary education; and to strengthen the financial ability of the institution to serve the academic needs of these students. Allowable activities are numerous and include academic instruction, teacher education, faculty development, equipment purchase, construction and maintenance, and tutoring and counseling services. The PBI program is an institutional aid program and grants are based on a formula rather than being competitive. All institutions who qualify as PBIs and submit the required materials will receive a portion of the total appropriation based on a formula.

Current estimates of burden hours and costs for respondents are based on data collected from similar programs.

If additional information is needed, please contact Sara Starke at 502-7688. Thank you for your consideration of these requests.

Attachments: A. OMB 83-I/ICR Part 1

2. OMB 83-I/ICR Part 2

3. Supporting Statement/Justification

4. Application for Grants under the Predominantly Black Institutions Program