Funding Archives

Public schools at the starting line: Beginning a new pathway with scholarship granting organizations

August 14, 2026 by Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, Van Buren School District

Scholarship funds from SGOs can be used for qualified expenses, which include academic tutoring and special needs services and supports.

For the first time, a federal tax credit is opening a clear path for public school students to access expanded learning opportunities through Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).

School Library Innovations

Demonstrating impact with data: How librarians can make the case for increased funding

May 21, 2026 by Jennifer Miller, @MeetMeInTheMediaCenter

After years of spending all their time on smartphone screens, today’s students are heading back to the school library for a range of reasons.

Libraries are more than a quiet corner of school where students can pick up a book now and then--they are vibrant learning environments that support classroom curriculum, spark…

District Management

Cutting costs without cutting corners

January 15, 2026 by Jacqueline Benson, Jurupa Unified School District

This district is streamlining payroll, staffing, and operations to stay ahead of shrinking budgets--here’s how other districts can follow suit

With the end of federal COVID-19 emergency funding and the inherent volatility of state income tax revenues, California school districts are in an era of financial uncertainty.

Education Policy & Funding

Funding technology initiatives in uncertain times

October 24, 2025 by Gillian Rhodes, Avantis Education

Be intentional about where to look for technology funding, how to frame proposals, and how to measure and share impact

Recent policy shifts have caused significant uncertainty in K-12 education funding, especially for technology initiatives. It’s no longer business as usual. Schools can’t rely on the same federal…

K-12 Cybersecurity

Districts eye proactive cyber threat protection as risks increase

September 22, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

CoSN recommendations help schools and district align cybersecurity priorities with areas of need to protect students and information.

Cybersecurity threats to K-12 schools are growing in frequency, sophistication, and cost, yet many school districts remain under-resourced and underprepared, according to the CoSN 2025 State of EdTech District…

Education Policy & Funding

Why should we care about cuts to funding for science education?

July 25, 2025 by Elizabeth A. Davis, University of Michigan

Meaningful science education is crucial for improving all of our lives, from the lives of children and youth to future and current teachers.

The Trump administration is slashing the funding for new projects focused on STEM education and has terminated hundreds of grants focused on equitable STEM education.

Education Policy & Funding

How the FY25 funding freeze impacts students across America

July 24, 2025 by Staff and wire services reports

AASA survey results from 628 superintendents across 43 states reveal the real-world impact of the FY25 federal funding freeze.

Communities across the nation began the budget process for the 2025-2026 school year after Congress passed the FY25 Continuing Resolution on March 14, 2025.

E-rate Funding

Edtech leaders see expanding roles as concerns over AI and cybersecurity increase

May 13, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Key findings in a new report highlight expanding role of edtech leaders amid rising AI, cybersecurity, and connectivity challenges.

If the Supreme Court decides Universal Service/E-Rate is unconstitutional, losing E-rate funding would have a catastrophic impact on the vast majority of school districts, according to CoSN's 2025 State…

Virtual Field Trips

7 new and engaging virtual field trips

May 9, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Virtual field trips offer an excellent alternative to in-person trips, making for an inclusive and engaging experience.

Virtual field trips have emerged as an engaging resource, offering students immersive experiences and allowing them to explore global landmarks, museums, and natural wonders without leaving their classrooms.

Newsline

Kenneth C. Griffin Donates $2 Million to Nonprofit Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program to Strengthen South Florida’s Teacher Pipeline

May 8, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Miami – Achieve Miami, a nonprofit dedicated to equalizing educational opportunities for students throughout Miami-Dade County, has received $2.4 million ... Read more

Protect More, Improve ROI: Extend Device Life and School Budgets

July 16, 2025March 13, 2025 by Jeff Festa

Maximize your school’s budget with durable cases that minimize costly repairs from accidental drops. With a longer device life ... Read more

AI in Education

A virtual reality, AI-boosted system helps students with autism improve social skills

February 14, 2025 by Mike Krings, KU News Service

An immersive, authentic experience blends extended reality and real-world elements of AI to help students with autism build social skills.

For more than a decade, University of Kansas researchers have been developing a virtual reality system to help students with disabilities, especially those with autism spectrum disorder, to…

K-12 Funding: How to Create a Winning Grant Application

March 19, 2025January 30, 2025 by Jeff Festa

Every year, schools miss out on crucial funding due to complex requirements. In this guide, we’ll walk you through ... Read more

College and Career Readiness

3 ways to create a strong district CTE program

July 29, 2025January 8, 2025 by Laura Ascione

A new report provides actionable steps for creating successful career-centered CTE programs in school districts.

Career and technical education is a crucial piece of worldwide economic success, particularly with talent shortfalls forecasted in numerous industries--but CTE leaders still face challenges in creating successful…

Newsline

Iowa STEM Scale-Up Funding Again Available for Drone Education

January 2, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

BOISE, Idaho (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PCS Edventures!, Inc., (PCSV) a leading provider of K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) ... Read more

Newsline

Texas State Board of Education Names Just Right Reader’s English and Spanish Literacy Resources as Approved Instructional Materials

December 17, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) recently named Just Right Reader’s decodable books for grades ... Read more

E-rate Funding

Having E-rate insight can protect school tech

December 16, 2024 by Brian Stephens, Funds For Learning

With the right data, school leaders can make informed decisions that maximize their budgets through E-rate knowledge.

When the Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate program first emerged in 1996, only 14 percent of the nation's K-12 classrooms were connected to the internet.

E-rate Funding

E-rate funding supports essential learning at a critical time, survey finds

November 4, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

Findings unveil E-rate funding data and its impact on internet connectivity and digital learning in U.S. schools and libraries.

Federal E-rate funding remains an essential function in bridging the digital divide, particularly for rural and underserved communities, according to an annual report from Funds For Learning.

New Mexico: Empowering Lives Through Literacy

October 14, 2024 by Jeff Festa

Explore how Las Cruces Public Schools leveraged grant funding to introduce a groundbreaking literacy program, enhancing educational quality and boosting ... Read more

Fact Sheet: Use E-Rate funding for managed solutions to drive student success

September 25, 2024 by Jeff Festa

As K-12 schools look to integrate cloud-based solutions, network complexity is also growing. Lean IT teams struggle to navigate ... Read more

Use E-Rate funding for managed solutions to drive student success

September 25, 2024September 24, 2024 by Jeff Festa

K-12 schools face persistent budget challenges related to today’s escalating technology demands. For more than25 years, the E-Rate program ... Read more

Education Policy & Funding

As Kamala Harris ascends to Democratic presidential frontrunner, get to know her education record

August 6, 2024 by Erica Meltzer and Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat

Vice President Kamala Harris quickly emerged as the most likely Democratic nominee for president, securing dozens of endorsements within hours of President Joe Biden announcing he would end…

STEM & STEAM Trends

Can a data literacy program make science more relatable?

July 18, 2024 by Lynn Waldsmith, Michigan State University

The data literacy program introduces real STEM professionals through storytelling, helping students better relate to science and projects.

A data literacy program that’s also changing students’ relationships with science and scientists is entering its third round of funding with a new $1.5 million grant from the…

Internet Connectivity

Leveraging connectivity to tackle K-12’s biggest challenges

June 19, 2024June 19, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Reliable connectivity is essential for learning--discover how to ensure your district is ready to support digital learning in K-12.

Even before the pandemic, education leaders championed the necessity of strong internet connectivity in schools and communities. This need skyrocketed with the nation’s move to online and hybrid…

Education Policy & Funding

Six tips for districts to avoid the next funding cliff

January 27, 2025June 3, 2024 by Content Provided by Digital Promise

Effectively navigating the impending funding cliff requires planning to ensure teachers and learners have the tools and access they need.

For school and district technology leaders, the end of the school year also means the end of billions of dollars of federal COVID-19 relief funding that was available…

Virtual Field Trips

Friday 5: Virtual field trips

April 26, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Virtual field trips can often help make tough concepts more engaging and easier to understand

While virtual field trips are not a new phenomenon, they gained popularity shortly before COVID due in part to their ability to expose students to places and experiences…

Edtech Trends

Educators love their edtech, but want more training

April 18, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Nearly all educators believe edtech tools enhance learning, but want to ensure they're using the tools the right way.

An overwhelming majority of educators believe edtech makes teaching and learning better, according to a new survey from classroom management solution NetSupport.

Education Policy & Funding

Using tech to drive innovation in early care and education

April 12, 2024 by Dr. Michael López, Ph.D., ClassWallet

New industry resources and technology can bridge gaps between compliance, convenience, and high-quality early care and education (ECE).

Fasten your seatbelts. The past few years in the early care and education (ECE) space have been a figurative roller coaster ride of ups and downs when it…

College and Career Readiness

CTE advocates want more funding as demand increases

April 3, 2024 by Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat

CTE programs across Illinois have introduced students to trades such as carpentry and culinary arts, and are helping students land jobs. They need more funding.

A decade ago, Latisa Kindred fought to bring back the electricity program at Simeon Career Academy, which had been shut down by the school’s principal due to low…

Education Policy & Funding

It’s budget season: How are you preparing for the fiscal cliff?

March 20, 2024 by Elizabeth Orme

District leaders should embrace final ESSER dollars for shedding systemic clutter as they prepare for the fiscal cliff and budget challenges.

The imminent end of ESSER funding has pushed school districts to a critical juncture, compelling them to confront budget deficits for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year before the…

Student Well-Being

Student mental health is still suffering–how should we address it?

March 14, 2024 by David Ball

The key to supporting school systems and student mental health is to harness the power of culturally-competent and age-appropriate solutions.

According to the CDC, more than one in three high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, but in reality, the rate of U.S. students struggling…

Maximize the Value of Remaining ESSER Funding

March 8, 2024 by Jeff Festa

With billions of dollars in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding that must be spent soon, school systems ... Read more

How to Maximize the Value of Remaining ESSER Funding

June 19, 2024March 5, 2024 by Jeff Festa

With billions of dollars in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding that must be spent soon, school systems ... Read more

School Management

5 ways to create an inviting, engaging multipurpose learning space

February 28, 2024 by Courtney Billig and Lisa Moretti

A flexible learning space is essential in meeting students' varied needs and supporting excellent instruction

We always knew that it would be great to have a dedicated space for students who needed pull-out testing, different accommodations, and/or more individualized instruction.

District Management

Ensure Your District is Data Ready with this Free Playbook

February 1, 2024 by Content Provided by Digital Promise

An effective interoperable data solution will help educators identify and address district opportunity gaps and outcomes.

Unprecedented funding has flowed into districts over the last several years as part of pandemic support and recovery efforts. As a result of this increased investment in technology,…

E-rate Funding

The looming threat that could worsen the digital divide

January 19, 2024 by Diamond McKenna, Co-Founder, Diamond Assets

Expiring ECF funding poses a substantial threat to the strides made in narrowing the digital divide in underserved schools and libraries that depend on the E-rate.

In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in education, the expiration of the E-rate program's Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) funding poses a significant threat to underserved…

Newsline

ESSER Funds help bring ClassVR to Schools in the Saint Louis Public Schools District

December 22, 2023 by ESchool News Staff

Chicago — Several schools in the Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) district have signed on to bring the immersive power ... Read more

Newsline

San Isidro Independent School District Leverages GEAR UP Grants to bring ClassVR to Students

December 11, 2023 by ESchool News Staff

Chicago — The San Isidro Independent School District in Texas is embracing the immersive power of virtual reality technology through ... Read more

Education Policy & Funding

How to find the right edtech tools for public schools

November 29, 2023 by Nadav Avni, CMO, Radix Technologies

Discover the ideal edtech tools for public schools, even with limited funding--navigate the landscape of educational technology on a budget.

Do public schools have the means to adopt the latest edtech for modern teaching? After all, the days of chalkboards and lightbulb-powered screen projectors are long gone. And…

School Management

Teacher shortages are worrying the majority of K-12 parents

November 8, 2023 by Laura Ascione

Nearly two-thirds of parents say they are concerned about their school’s ability to provide qualified educators due to teacher shortages.

More than half of parents (56 percent) say they are concerned that teachers are burned out to the point that it will adversely affect their child’s education, according…

Public schools at the starting line: Beginning a new pathway with scholarship granting organizations

Demonstrating impact with data: How librarians can make the case for increased funding

Cutting costs without cutting corners

Funding technology initiatives in uncertain times

Districts eye proactive cyber threat protection as risks increase

Why should we care about cuts to funding for science education?

How the FY25 funding freeze impacts students across America

Edtech leaders see expanding roles as concerns over AI and cybersecurity increase

7 new and engaging virtual field trips

Kenneth C. Griffin Donates $2 Million to Nonprofit Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program to Strengthen South Florida’s Teacher Pipeline

A virtual reality, AI-boosted system helps students with autism improve social skills

3 ways to create a strong district CTE program

Iowa STEM Scale-Up Funding Again Available for Drone Education

Texas State Board of Education Names Just Right Reader’s English and Spanish Literacy Resources as Approved Instructional Materials

Having E-rate insight can protect school tech

E-rate funding supports essential learning at a critical time, survey finds

As Kamala Harris ascends to Democratic presidential frontrunner, get to know her education record

Can a data literacy program make science more relatable?

Leveraging connectivity to tackle K-12’s biggest challenges

Six tips for districts to avoid the next funding cliff

Friday 5: Virtual field trips

Educators love their edtech, but want more training

Using tech to drive innovation in early care and education

CTE advocates want more funding as demand increases

It’s budget season: How are you preparing for the fiscal cliff?

Student mental health is still suffering–how should we address it?

5 ways to create an inviting, engaging multipurpose learning space

Ensure Your District is Data Ready with this Free Playbook

The looming threat that could worsen the digital divide

ESSER Funds help bring ClassVR to Schools in the Saint Louis Public Schools District

San Isidro Independent School District Leverages GEAR UP Grants to bring ClassVR to Students

How to find the right edtech tools for public schools

Teacher shortages are worrying the majority of K-12 parents

Why interactive solutions are a smarter investment for schools

ClassMate by World Book Recognized with Prestigious ISTE Seal

School Specialty Honors Top Educators with 12th Annual Crystal Apple Awards

Follett Content Accelerates Public Library Strategy

Celebrating Teachers: Nominate Outstanding Educators for Crystal Apple Awards

School Specialty Expands Learning Beyond the Screen with New Outdoor Furniture Line

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