The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enacted in March 2021, provides $122.8 billion for K-12 education to augment the $13.2 billion provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the $54.3 billion provided by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. These funds are often referred to as ESSER I (CARES Act), ESSER II (CRSSA Act), and ARP-ESSER (sometimes called ESSER-III). ARP-ESSER funds will be distributed to your state based on its share of Title I funding but can be used for all students.

Private schools, including those that are faith-based, can apply for Emergency Assistance for Non-public Schools (EANS) funds available under CRRSA and ARPA. Although all non-public schools can apply, funding is prioritized for schools that enroll low income students and have been most impacted by COVID-19. Impacts can include but are not limited to: (1) loss of tuition revenue; (2) decrease in enrollment; (3) lack of capacity to provide remote learning due to insufficient technological support; and (4) learning loss attributable to the disruption of instruction caused by COVID-19.

Renaissance solutions can be purchased with ESSER I, ESSER II, and ARP-ESSER funds.

Purchasing educational technology, including hardware, software, and connectivity, that aids in regular and substantive educational interaction between students and classroom teachers.
Addressing learning loss. ARP-ESSER requires your district to reserve at least 20% of the funding it receives for this purpose. This can include summer learning or summer enrichment, extended day programs, comprehensive after-school programs, or extended school year programs.
Activities to address the unique needs of low-income children, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth.
Administering high-quality assessments that are valid and reliable to accurately assess students’ academic progress and assist educators in meeting students’ academic needs.
Implementing evidence-based activities to meet the comprehensive needs of students.
Providing information and assistance to parents and families so they can support students, including in a distance learning environment.
Tracking student attendance and improving student engagement in distance learning.

Aligned Products:

ESSER I, ESSER II, and ARP-ESSER

Need help with ESSER I, ESSER II, ARP-ESSER, or any other funding options?