The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), Special Education Services Section is accepting applications for the FY 2027 Gifted Student Grant Program authorized by Act No. 2026-380. The program provides competitive state funding to Alabama local education agencies for new or continuing advanced and specialized educational programs serving gifted students in Grades K-12.
ALSDE states that $2,454,687 is appropriated for FY 2027 and that the maximum award is $30,000 per applicant. All Alabama public school systems are eligible to apply. Local boards must provide a match of up to five percent of awarded grant funds. Because this is a mandatory local match, a direct Dr. Miltie applicant path is not viable unless Marc separately approves it or ALSDE authoritatively verifies a waiver.
The controlling application package gives a deadline of October 16, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. for electronic submission through DocuSign. The package does not state a deadline time zone. Atlas therefore treats the exact deadline as unverified for new cold applicant outreach and will not initiate new outreach unless ALSDE authoritatively confirms the time zone.
Applicants may pursue Option 1: Program Proposals for items and activities used in gifted classrooms and with gifted learners, including concept-based curriculum, affective or foundational wellness, differentiation, college and career readiness, and field-study experiences. Option 2: Administrative Proposals may support gifted certification, professional development, contract personnel, screening materials, acceleration needs, and related administrative requirements.
ALSDE’s published grant criteria emphasize programs targeted to gifted children under Alabama Administrative Code criteria; curriculum quality; instructor qualifications; integration with school infrastructure; preference for traditional-school-day programming or after-school transportation; participation by traditionally underserved populations; and measurable impact on students’ academic growth. The package does not publish a numerical scoring rubric. Program proposals must address student needs, project quality, gifted standards and outcomes, learning opportunities, evaluation evidence, estimated costs, and return on investment. Required application information includes applicant and LEA information, superintendent, gifted coordinator and chief school financial officer signatures, a detailed budget narrative and Budget Summary Form, and Attachment A for Program Proposals.
The FY 2027 budget form includes state expenditure categories for salaries and benefits, in-state travel, student education services, purchased educational services, classroom supplies, instructional software, instructional equipment under $5,000 per unit, computer hardware under $5,000 per unit, other equipment/capital outlay, and registration fees. These categories do not independently establish allowability for N9+, QC Healthcare, telehealth, clinical equipment, or other healthcare technology.
Atlas analysis: Atlas Opportunity Score 76/100. N9+ Fit Score 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit 0/100. This is a legitimate Alabama K-12 education grant with a current open application window, but its controlling purpose is gifted education rather than healthcare delivery, diagnostics, telehealth, or clinical technology. Do not force an N9+ or QC Healthcare role into the opportunity. New applicant outreach remains blocked until the deadline time zone is authoritatively verified.
Official source: ALSDE — FY26-2043 Gifted Student Grant Program Act 2026-380.