To spur innovation in higher education aimed at helping more students access and complete a college degree or credential, the U.S. Department of Education announced today the availability of $75 million in the First in the World (FITW) program. Click here for the Federal Register notice. The grants will fund the development and testing of innovative approaches and strategies at colleges and universities that improve college attainment and make higher education more affordable for students and families.    FITW is designed to spur a diverse array of innovative ideas and approaches in order to dramatically improve student learning and outcomes. Of the $75 million made available in FY2014, the competition contains a set-aside of up to $20 million for institutions that designate as minority-serving institutions. All grants will be awarded by September. The Department will post further information, including information about webinars and other technical assistance on rge FIPSE website at http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-75-million-first-world-competition.