---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 12581a"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "12581a"
heading: "Educational awards only program"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/12581a"
units:
  - "Chapter 129 — National and Community Service"
  - "Subchapter I — National and Community Service State Grant Program"
  - "Division C — National Service Trust Program"
  - "Part II — Application and Approval Process"
---

# §12581a. Educational awards only program

- (a) **In general—** From amounts appropriated for a fiscal year to provide financial assistance under this division and consistent with the restriction in [subsection (b)](#b), the [Corporation](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=2) may, through fixed-amount grants (in accordance with [section 12581(l)](/usc/42/12581.md?p=l) of this title), provide operational support to [programs](/usc/42/12626.md?p=8) that receive approved national service positions but do not receive funds under [section 12571(a) of this title](/usc/42/12571.md?p=a).
- (b) **Limit on Corporation grant funds—** The [Corporation](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=2) may provide the operational support under this section for a [program](/usc/42/12626.md?p=8) in an amount that is not more than $800 per individual enrolled in an approved national service position, or not more than $1,000 per such individual if at least 50 percent of the persons enrolled in the [program](/usc/42/12626.md?p=8) are disadvantaged youth.
- (c) **Inapplicable provisions—** The following provisions shall not apply to [programs](/usc/42/12626.md?p=8) funded under this section:
  - (1) The limitation on administrative costs under [section 12571(d) of this title](/usc/42/12571.md?p=d).
  - (2) The matching funds requirements under [section 12571(e) of this title](/usc/42/12571.md?p=e).
  - (3) The living allowance and other benefits under sections [12583(e)](/usc/42/12583.md?p=e) and [12594](/usc/42/12594.md) of this title (other than individualized support services for participants with disabilities under [section 12594(f) of this title](/usc/42/12594.md?p=f)).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 101–610, title I, § 129A, as added Pub. L. 111–13, title I, § 1307, Apr. 21, 2009, 123 Stat. 1505.)

## Notes

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 2009, see section 6101(a) of Pub. L. 111–13, set out as an Effective Date of 2009 Amendment note under section 4950 of this title.