FR 2025-06281

The document from the Federal Register concerns the Department of Education's plan to reinstate the GEAR UP application packages for partnership and state grants as part of an information collection request (ICR). This initiative falls under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, which requires federal agencies to seek public comment before collecting certain information. The program is designed to assist partnerships and states in applying for funding to help improve educational access for low-income students.

General Summary

The document announces that the Department of Education wishes to continue using a previously approved information collection related to the GEAR UP program, without making any changes to it. The department invites comments from the public, especially focusing on the necessity of the collection, its timeliness, and the accuracy of the burden estimate. It also seeks input on improving and minimizing the effort required from respondents, which includes state, local, and tribal governments. The public has until May 14, 2025, to submit their feedback through a specified government website.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable issues within the document. First, the document does not mention the exact amount of funding available for each application. This lack of detail might lead to transparency concerns regarding how funds are allocated across applicants.

Additionally, the document outlines an estimated 8,816 burden hours and 156 annual responses but does not clarify how these figures were determined or what activities these hours cover. Such lack of clarity might make the burden estimates appear arbitrary or incomprehensible to the public.

Furthermore, although the document highlights the use of information technology to reduce respondent burden, it does not provide specific methodologies or technologies that will be utilized to achieve this. Without such examples, stakeholders might find it hard to understand how their participation could be simplified.

Lastly, the document states that the usual 60-day comment period is waived, without providing a clear rationale. This waiver could reduce the opportunity for public input, potentially affecting the perception of transparency in the process.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, especially communities involved in education, the document represents an ongoing commitment by the Department of Education to support educational equality through grant programs. However, the procedural aspects outlined, and the call for comments, highlight the complexity and burdens involved in participating in federal programs.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

State, local, and tribal governments are directly affected as they are the primary respondents for this information collection. They stand to benefit from the funding provided by the GEAR UP program, which is aimed at increasing college readiness for low-income students. However, they might face challenges if the burden of participation is perceived as too high or the processes are deemed non-transparent.

While the program could lead to significant positive impacts on educational opportunities, the concerns over transparency, burden estimation, and input opportunities might deter some stakeholders from engaging fully. Addressing these issues could potentially enhance stakeholder trust and participation, ultimately improving the program's outreach and effectiveness.