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 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.  

Funding for Javits Program - Federal Fiscal Year 2019 (October 1, 2018–September 30, 2019)

The Administration proposed cutting Javits for fiscal year 2019 (FY19). With the support of advocates, we were able to convince Congress to fund Javits.

Congress voted to provide the Javits program $12 million for FY19, the same amount of funding received in 2018.

In calendar year 2017, the U.S. Department of Education awarded funding for thirteen 2017 and one 2018 (one project funded down the 2017 slate) Javits projects.

In March 2019, the Administration proposed cutting Javits for federal fiscal year 2020 (FY20).

NAGC released a statement opposing these cuts. 

Advocates should stay engaged with the Legislative Action Network for the latest updates.

Please be sure to call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to express your support for gifted education and the Javits program.  The Capitol Switchboard will be able to connect you with your two Senators and one Representative. 

If you are interested in learning more about our advocacy efforts, please join the Legislative Action Network.

Read about the effectiveness of the Javits program.

Background on Javits Act

The purpose of the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education 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 March 2019 issue of Parenting for High Potential includes an informative article, "What is a Javits Grant?")

The Javits Act focuses resources on identifying and serving students who are traditionally underrepresented in gifted and talented programs, particularly minority, economically disadvantaged, English language 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 the demonstration grants, the Javits program funds a 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 program, like other authorized federal grant programs, must be funded each year by the Congress.