Intent
The goal of the SSAP 3.0 Grants is to support students’ persistence and completion of credentials of value leading to successful career and labor market outcomes in Texas. This Request for Applications (RFA) solicits proposals from Texas public institutions of higher education for the development, enhancement, and scaling of evidence-based programs and initiatives for an identified target student population in at least one (1) of the following:
PROGRAM AREAS
- Academic Supports
- Career Services and Advising
- Financial Supports
SSAP 3.0 Grants support an important priority of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)—to positively impact metrics related to the state’s strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas. This includes funding programs that improve retention rates (1-year), increase existing capacity to serve more students (scaling), expand program impact (scope), or otherwise increase credential attainment/graduation rates, academic achievement, and affordability for students.
Eligibility
Entities in the following categories and located in Texas are eligible to apply for a SSAP 3.0 Grant Award:
- Texas public institutions as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(2)(3)(7)&(16).
How to Apply
Application Closed.
Application Information
Funding is available to support the SSAP 3.0 Grant through biennial appropriations approved during the regular session of the 89th Legislature. Contingent upon the amount of funding available, award sizes are based on submitted applications and are up to $300,000.00. The grant period will be approximately twenty-four (24) months.
THECB estimates that as many as twenty (20) or more (depending on available funds) will be awarded for the grant period. Applicants may submit a single application. Funding for the SSAP 3.0 Grant will be awarded to applicants on a competitive basis. Awards are made based on rank order of reviewed applications until the allocated annual funding is exhausted.
All inquiries should be emailed through studentsuccess@highered.texas.gov. Applications must be submitted via the THECB Grants Management System (GMS).
Important Dates
May 14, 2026
Informational Webinar (12:00pm, CT)
Jun. 10, 2026
Last Day for Applicant Inquiries (5:00pm, CT)
Jun. 15, 2026
Application Deadline (5:00pm, CT)
Jul. 24, 2026
THECB Announces Grant Awards
Sep. 01, 2026
Anticipated Grant Period Start Date
Rules and Regulations
This program utilizes State appropriations as provided by the 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, General Appropriations Act, Article III, Strategy A.1.3, THECB Rider 39.
SSAP 3.0 Grants are administered by THECB’s general provisions for agency Grant programs: Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 10, Subchapter A.
Grant Cycle
List of SSAP 3.0 Grantees: SSAP 3.0 Awardee List 2026-2028
List of SSAP 2.0 Grantees: SSAP 2.0 Grantees Awarded 2024-2026
SSAP 2.0 Request for Applications (RFA)
- Form 1 – SSAP 2.0 Cover Sheet
- Form 2 – SSAP 2.0 Certification and Leadership Commitment
- Form 3 – SSAP 2.0 Application
- Form 4 – Proposed Budget
- Applicants must download and complete all required fields for forms 1-4 above. Once the forms have been completed, save all documents as individual PDFs. Applications are to be submitted via the SSAP 2.0 Grant Application Submission Form link. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Additional Notes
Request for Application (RFA) Released on Monday, May 5, 2026:
SSAP 3.0 Informational Webinar, May 14, 2026 (12:00 p.m., CT):
- Webinar Recording
- Passcode: SSAP3.0RFA
- PowerPoint Slides
Frequently Asked Questions