CFR > Title 7 - Agriculture > SUBTITLE B—Regulations of the Department of Agriculture > CHAPTER XXXIV—NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (parts 3400 to 3431) > PART 3430—COMPETITIVE AND NONCOMPETITIVE NON-FORMULA FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS—GENERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS > SUBPART M—New Era Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program (§3430.900 to §3430.909) > 3430.903—Eligibility.

3430.903—Eligibility.

Applications may be submitted by either:
(a) Public or private nonprofit community colleges, or
(b) Advanced technological centers, either of which must:
(1) Be located in a rural area (see definition in § 3430.902 );
(2) Have been in existence as of June 18, 2008;
(3) Participate in agricultural or bioenergy research and applied research;
(4) Have a proven record of development and implementation of programs to meet the needs of students, educators, and business and industry to supply the agriculture-based, renewable energy or pulp and paper manufacturing fields with certified technicians, as determined by the Secretary; and
(5) Have the ability to leverage existing partnerships and occupational outreach and training programs for secondary schools, 4-year institutions, and relevant nonprofit organizations.