Uncle Sam Funds Teacher Apprenticeships for Needy Schools
Published Date: 5/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor and Education are inviting schools and local education groups to apply for the 2026 Teacher Quality Partnership Program by June 23. This program helps train better teachers, especially for schools that really need them, by supporting partnerships and new training methods like apprenticeships. It’s a great chance to get funding and improve teacher preparation to boost student success.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Maximum Grant: $2,000,000
The Department will not make an award exceeding $2,000,000 to any applicant per 12-month budget period for the FY 2026 Teacher Quality Partnership Program. Applicants should budget proposals knowing this $2,000,000 per-year cap.
Registered Apprenticeships for New Teachers
The TQP program supports use of Registered Apprenticeship as a work-based pathway to prepare and credential new teachers based on demonstrated skill and merit. The notice emphasizes apprenticeships particularly to prepare teachers for high-need schools and subject areas experiencing teacher shortages.
Who Can Apply: Eligible Partnership Rules
To be an eligible applicant, an "eligible partnership" must include (a) a high-need local educational agency (LEA); (b) a high-need school or consortium of high-need schools or, as applicable, a high-need early childhood education (ECE) program; (c) a partner institution; (d) a school/department/program of education within that partner institution; and (e) a school or department of arts and sciences within that partner institution.
Competition Priorities Shape Funding
The FY 2026 competition includes explicit absolute priorities (e.g., partnership grants for teacher preparation, establishment of effective teaching residency programs, leadership programs paired with pre-baccalaureate or residency programs, and Returning Education to the States) and competitive preference priorities (Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness; Promoting Evidence-Based Literacy; Meaningful Learning Opportunities for Students).
Apply by June 23, 2026
Schools and local education groups can submit proposals for the FY 2026 Teacher Quality Partnership Program through Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on June 23, 2026. Submissions must use the Grants.gov "APPLY" function and follow the application notice and instructions there.
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