School and University Support: COVID-19 Relief and Learning Funds
This act allocates billions of dollars to support elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions in combating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds aim to cover pandemic-related expenses, provide financial aid to students, and support programs addressing learning loss. Additionally, the act establishes rules for maintaining education funding levels to protect schools with the highest number of economically disadvantaged students.
Key points
Elementary and secondary schools will receive over $128 billion for pandemic relief, with at least 90% going directly to local educational agencies.
At least 5% of elementary and secondary school funds must be used for evidence-based interventions to address learning loss, such as summer learning or afterschool programs, focusing on students disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Higher education institutions will receive nearly $40 billion, with a significant portion dedicated to direct financial aid grants for students.
The act requires states and local educational agencies to maintain funding levels for schools, especially those with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, to prevent budget cuts.
Additional funds are allocated to support outlying areas, Bureau of Indian Education schools, deaf universities (Gallaudet University, National Technical Institute for the Deaf), and Howard University.
Funds will also go to cultural institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to aid their recovery from the pandemic.
The act allocates $10 million for programs to preserve and maintain Native American languages, ensuring their survival during the pandemic.
Expired
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