General Education Provisions Act Statement

As stated in Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), the Department of Education requires that all applicants for new awards describe the steps that will be taken to provide “equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs.” In your short statement, consider the six barriers (gender, race, national origin, color, disability, and age) and any other issues (ex. socioeconomic) that can impede equitable access or participation in programs and “provide a clear and succinct description of how you plan to address those barriers that are applicable to your circumstances.” The intent of Section 427 is to “ensure that, in designing their projects, applicants for Federal funds address equity concerns that may affect the ability of certain potential beneficiaries to fully participate in the project and to achieve to high standards. Consistent with program requirements and its approved application, an applicant may use the Federal funds awarded to it to eliminate barriers it identifies.”

Examples of how others have addressed this requirement.

1. Describe steps that will be taken to encourage enrollment from underrepresented groups.
2. If your goal is to provide programs for individuals with limited English proficiency, describe how you will advertise the program to attract the intended audience.
3. If classroom materials are to be prepared, describe how you will provide access to visually impaired individuals or have reading disabilities.
4. Describe efforts that will be taken to address safety concerns that underrepresented groups, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, may experience.

Reference: OMB Control Number 1894-0005