This reference guide describes programs authorized and funded under federal law as well as individual competitions made possible by these programs. Programs are listed under broad topical headings that include: academic improvement and demonstration programs, adult education, assessment, bilingual-ESL, child care, civics, corrections education, disability and rehabilitation research, disadvantaged persons, distance education, dropout prevention, gifted and talented students, higher and continuing education, immigrant education, impact aid, Indian education, international education, migrant education, postsecondary improvement, professional development, reading, rehabilitation, rehabilitation services, research, safe and drug-free schools, school improvement, school reform, school-to-work opportunities, special education, student financial assistance, technical assistance, technology, telecommunications, and vocational education. Entries contain, in order, topical heading, program title, the department's administering office, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number, who may apply, current competitions, type of assistance, appropriations for the last three fiscal years, awards information, program details including legislative citation and program regulations and description, education level, subject index, and contact information. The listings in this guide were accurate as of the publication date and are constantly being updated on the Department of Education Web site. (RT)