STEP is authorized under section 6132 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (ESEA). The intent of this competition is to return education to the Tribes and create opportunities where Tribes can exert sovereignty and self-determination. ED expects that TEA-SEA-LEA coordination will result in TEAs maintaining greater systemic connections with their Native children in public schools.

The requirement for a draft written agreement (DWA), as defined in this notice, helps to ensure that all relevant partners needed to achieve the project goals are included from the outset. For example, applicants could propose projects that include developing a TEA aimed at creating a Tribal education system that provides policies, structures and oversight that improves such student outcomes as attendance, graduation rate, academic achievement, workforce development, and career readiness.

ED remains committed to engaging in regular and meaningful consultation with Indian Tribes and sourced the design of this competition using input recently received from Tribal leaders on August 26, 2025, and previous input as published in the Federal Register on December 28, 2022 (87 FR 79824). On August 26, 2025, Tribal leaders expressed strong support for the STEP program's role in fostering collaboration between LEAs and Tribes, particularly in areas like college readiness and student advising. Several leaders noted that maintaining Tribal control over education is essential for preserving culture and language opportunities for Native students, especially in off-reservation schools.

Assistance Listing Number: 84.415A.

Applicants should refer to the 2025 Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234) and available at ED 2025 Common Instructions.