How eligible institutions can use SIP funding to build credential infrastructure that drives workforce readiness and student success

Our new guide (PDF download) is written for higher education leaders preparing to apply for the FY 2026 Strengthening Institutions Program competition. With an estimated $365.9 million in available funding, individual grants up to $3 million, and cooperative arrangement grants up to $5 million, this cycle represents one of the largest federal investments in institutional capacity building this year. The application deadline is June 23.

This guide outlines how Territorium’s platform aligns with the priority areas emphasized in the 2026 competition, including workforce readiness, short-term credential pathways, responsible AI adoption, and stronger evidence of student learning. Territorium helps institutions build a unified infrastructure for digital credentials, Comprehensive Learner Records (CLRs), Learning and Employment Records (LERs), credential wallets, AI-powered career pathways, and a talent marketplace that connects completers to employers. For institutions preparing for Workforce Pell, employer alignment, or a durable credential strategy, this guide outlines how SIP funding can support infrastructure that lasts well beyond the grant cycle.