Education funding sources for EOS
Discover federal and other grants that school districts commonly use to fund their work with Equal Opportunity Schools. Our regional teams are aware of how to secure and prove performance to renew funding annually. Reach out to discuss the many options available to your team.
Ed policy impacts to be aware of for funding
USDE "Dear Colleague" letter challenged
The USDE Dear Colleague Letter (2/14/25) extended Title VI to exclude race as a criterium for school policies and required state chiefs' compliance. However, as of 4/24/25, federal judges from D.C., MD, and NH enjoined enforcement of the policy change and the USDE has stopped enforcement at this point.
ESSER funds have ended
ESSER (Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief) funds for COVID relief have ended. States were required to commit and spend funding by 12/2025. Recently 16 states were permitted to submit ESSER reimbursement requests until May 24, but other states need to appeal for reimbursement from USDE. See details. In spite of losing this historic infusion of funding, several education funding options persist that are eligible for EOS, see below.
Federal grants commonly used for EOS
While on average just 13.7% of state education funding is federal, many of EOS’ partners use it to fund our work together. Here are the Title funds from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that public school districts most often use for EOS.
Title I - Part A
Improving basic programs operated by LEAs
Overview
In FY25, $18.07 billion has been allocated to state (SEA) and local education agencies (LEA) for supporting children from low-income families. For schools with ≥40% children from low-income families (42% as of 2022), they can even use Title I funds for schoolwide programs that close achievement gaps.
For FY26, the federal government pledged preserving Title 1 funding.
Reference:
- USDE Title 1, Part A Overview
- USDE Non-regulatory Guidance/Coverage
- USDE 3/31/25 Letter to Chief State School Officers on guidance for funding advanced course access. See the great example here of Ohio as the only state securing more funding by including parents' choice for advanced coursework, but any state can. Take advantage of this funding designation for EOS.
Eligible use for EOS
Section 1003A of ESEA affirms Title I funds can be used for “Activities designed to increase access and prepare students for success in high-quality advanced coursework to earn postsecondary credit while in high school (e.g. AP, IB, dual or concurrent enrollment programs).”
This matches EOS’ mission as our service helps schools identify and enroll more students in advanced coursework (AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment) to improve postsecondary outcomes.
Using EOS' survey and data tools, schools hear from students (including low-income) what their needs and strengths are to inform effective outreach that pairs the right supports to excel in advanced coursework.
Specifically, schools use EOS reports to monitor advanced course capacity and increase in enrollment across student groups, including low-income, to assess and solve for achievement gaps.
Title IV - Part A
Flexible student support and academic achievement grants
Overview
In FY25, $1.38 billion given to SEAs with 95% of funds required to pass to LEAs to fund schools. LEAs receive a minimum of $10k. If over $30k, LEAs conduct a needs assessment.
Funds are for student supports and academic enrichment, and to provide professional development for principals, teachers, and other school leaders to improve student learning.
Reference:
Eligible use for EOS
Funds are for three program areas: “Well-rounded Education (20%+), Safe and Healthy Schools (20%+), and Effective Use of Technology (no set %).
In 2023, Title IV-A Coalition found that 31% of LEAs used this funding to expand STEM courses and 12% used it to increase access for underserved students in high-quality and advanced courses.
EOS’ services align to all three program areas. We provide student and staff surveys that inform “Safe and Healthy Schools”. That survey data is combined with your MTSS data in the EOS Portal app that is “an Effective use of Technology” to identify high-potential students and coordinate outreach for enrollment in advanced courses to support “Well-rounded Education.”
Title II - Part A
Supporting effective instruction grants
Overview
In FY25, $2.19 billion with 95% of funds that must be passed to LEAs for school distribution. Funds support a range of professional development activities for principals, teachers, and other school leaders to improve student learning.
Reference:
Eligible use for EOS
From Section 2103(b)(3)(E), Title II funds can be used to “…improve teachers’ subject matter knowledge in any advanced course, including AP and IB.”
EOS’ surveys and data tools reveal perspectives on school climate and culture, which identify opportunities for professional development to improve student belonging, learning, and achievement in advanced courses. And built-in reporting tracks successful results of staff efforts.
In addition, EOS provides Coaching & Program Facilitation to principals, teachers, and school leaders to improve their understanding of student needs and outreach to motivate, inspire, and enroll high-potential students in advanced coursework.
Contact us to solve funding together
Even in the current climate, plenty of education funding exists to support your students. Connect with a regional EOS Director to review options, see what your peers have done, and how EOS helps identify and enroll more qualified students in advanced courses.
