Greetings colleagues:

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Education announced the availability of a $3 million grant competition that will give school districts the opportunity to launch student-centered funding programs. The competition, authorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), will allow school districts to combine eligible federal funds with state and local funds in order to allocate resources based on students’ individual needs.

School districts that receive the grants will apply for and, if approved, implement the associated funding flexibility under Section 1501 of ESSA, which must include using weights that allocate substantially more funding to students from low-income families, English learners, and any other educationally disadvantaged student group identified by the school district. School districts must also consult parents, teachers, school leaders, and other relevant stakeholders as they develop and implement the student-centered funding system.

This grant may provide districts with the opportunity to direct additional needed supports to students experiencing homelessness.

Visit https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-announces-new-grant-competition-school-districts-launch-student-centered-funding-program to read the press release.

Visit https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/05/11/2020-09999/applications-for-new-awards-well-rounded-education-through-student-centered-funding-demonstration to see the funding announcement in the Federal Register.

Applications are due July 10, 2020.

Best,

Christina Dukes, Deputy Director, Partnerships & Policy
National Center for Homeless Education