Federal Education Department to Disburse Remaining Untouched Grant Funds for Schools Imminently
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The long-awaited release of $6 billion in education grants, which had been withheld by the Trump administration, is set to provide a much-needed boost to school districts and nonprofit organizations across the United States.
The Los Angeles Unified School District, Philadelphia's school district, and Miami's school district are among the many beneficiaries, receiving $62 million, $28 million, and over $24 million respectively for the 2022-23 school year.
The funding freeze, which was challenged by several lawsuits and supported by Congress members from both parties, has been a source of significant disruption to school planning and programs. The withheld federal money in Harford County, Maryland, accounted for more than half the budget for the district's annual summer camp for non-native English speakers. Without the money, school districts and nonprofits like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America would have to close or scale back educational offerings this fall.
The Education Department has already released $1.3 billion for after-school and summer programming. This funding supports a variety of initiatives, including camps and programs for working families, teacher training, adult education, and services addressing student learning and achievement.
In Harford County, the summer camp helps kids keep their English and academic momentum over the summer by hiring certified teachers. The camp serves approximately 1,100 non-native English speakers, many of whom are born in the U.S. to parents who came to the area for job opportunities in restaurants and warehouses. High school student volunteers in the summer camp help the youngest children with art projects.
The Trump administration's decision to withhold the funds was linked to a review and delay linked to the change in administration. The specific White House priorities causing the hold on the education grants were not disclosed, but education advocates and lawmakers strongly criticized the hold as unlawful and harmful, arguing it jeopardized students' education and program continuity.
A group of 10 Republican senators sent a letter imploring the administration to release the money, and AASA, an association of superintendents, thanked members of Congress for pressing to release the money. U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said the programs support local communities, providing after-school and summer programs for parents to work and classes for adult skill development.
The grants under review included funds for efforts to reduce class size, academic enrichment grants, bilingual education, educating the children of migrant workers, and teaching adults how to read. The withholding appeared to be a form of impoundment — a rare executive action where the President withholds funds allocated by Congress.
As the new academic year approaches, the release of these funds will provide a much-needed relief to school districts and nonprofits, ensuring that educational programs can continue to thrive and support the next generation of learners.
References:
- Education Week
- The Hill
- PBS NewsHour
- The Washington Post
- The New York Times
- The relief of the withheld education grants, totalling $6 billion, is expected to significantly impact various school districts and nonprofit organizations, including Los Angeles Unified School District, Philadelphia's school district, and Miami's school district, ensuring that their education-and-self-development programs can continue or even expand.
- The recent funding for general-news outlets, such as Education Week, The Hill, PBS NewsHour, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, has shed light on the political implications of the education grant dispute, with a group of 10 Republican senators urging the administration to release the funds, and education advocates and lawmakers strongly criticizing the withholding as unlawful and harmful.
