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Jacob Javits Gifted & Talented Students Education Act

The Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act (Javits) was first passed by Congress in 1988 as part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and was most recently reauthorized through the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015 to support the development of talent in U.S. schools. The Javits Act, which is the only federal program dedicated specifically to gifted and talented students, does not fund local gifted education programs.

Background on the Javits Act

The purpose of the Javits Act is to orchestrate a coordinated program of scientifically based research, demonstration projects, innovative strategies, and similar activities that build and enhance the ability of elementary and secondary schools to meet the special educational needs of gifted and talented students.

The Javits Act focuses resources on identifying and serving students who are traditionally underrepresented in gifted and talented programs, particularly historically marginalized, economically disadvantaged, English learners, and students with disabilities, to help reduce gaps in achievement and to encourage the establishment of equal educational opportunities for all students.

In addition to demonstration grants, the Javits Act funds the National Research and Development Center for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children and Youth, which conducts a focused program of research that includes an exploratory study, an impact evaluation, and leadership and outreach activities to ensure that the research informs education practice.

The Javits Act, like other authorized federal grant programs, must be funded each year by Congress.

For more information on Javits, please review this helpful presentation from staff at the Department of Education that was given at the NAGC Leadership & Advocacy Summit in March 2023.

Javits Grant Competition

The U.S. Department of Education oversees Javits grants. The call for proposals typically happens in March/April. NAGC will provide more updates as they become available. For more information, visit the Department's website.

Resources and Documents