K–12 COVID Relief Funding
CARES Act School Funding
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) that Congress passed in 2020, K–12 schools are eligible to receive stimulus funding — known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER Funds) — to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students.
What can schools spend CARES Act money on?
With more than $100 billion in federal funding under ESSER I and II through September 2023 and ESSER III through 2024, districts are encouraged to use their funding to speed learning recovery, ensure equity, prioritize social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health, and prepare schools for the future.
- Learning Loss Recovery
Due to the hastened transition to online learning at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students fell behind and now need help getting back on track. Districts can use CARES Act school funding to implement credit recovery programs to help students catch up to where they should be in their curriculum—utilizing resources that ensure equitable access for all students, including students with disabilities, English learners, low-income students, and other vulnerable groups. - SEL & Mental Health
After a tumultuous year of change for both educators and students, districts must equip their schools with adequate resources to address challenges surrounding mental health. School relief funds can be used to support educators and school administrators with the proper training and tools needed to provide students with comprehensive, accessible mental health services. - Reopening Schools & Remote Learning Preparedness
Districts can also use COVID relief funding to facilitate a safer in-person learning experience following school reopenings and better prepare for the possibility of remote learning in the future. Coordinating district response efforts, investing in quality online learning technology, and purchasing supplies to provide a more sanitary environment for educators, school staff, and students are just a few areas where districts can utilize ESSER funding.
For which Stride Learning Solutions can ESSER Funds be used?
Stride offers a variety of online learning programs, software, and technology that districts can purchase using school emergency relief funds, aka ESSER funds:
With more than 350 courses supported by cutting-edge technology and virtual instruction by certified teachers, Stride offers schools a curriculum that supports the needs of diverse learners. Beyond core subject matter, Stride programs and courses can help students in reading literacy, credit recovery, and career readiness.
Stride Rapid Credit Recovery
Students can get back on the path to graduation faster than ever with Stride’s Rapid Credit Recovery courses, designed to close the learning gap and help students earn necessary credits. Our diagnostic-driven, adaptive-release credit recovery courses are embedded with social-emotional learning support to encourage resilience, perseverance, and self-management.
Targeted intervention and remediation services allow schools to customize learning for different types of learners and ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed. From our online English Language Learning curriculum developed by Middlebury Interactive Languages™ to Stride Skills Arcade, our rewards-based, supplemental learning program, Stride can help students rediscover their love for learning.
Stride works with districts to develop the best delivery model for educators and students, from full-time online school to blended learning to supplemental programs like Big Universe™ (reading literacy) and Stride Skills Arcade (rewards-based learning).
In addition to online programs designed to address the needs of students, Stride also offers training services to support the educators that make learning possible. Our team of experts provides comprehensive onboarding, ongoing technical support, and professional development tailored to meet the specific needs of a school or district.
Use Your ESSER Funds to Accelerate Learning with Stride Learning Solutions
For more than 20 years, Stride Learning Solutions has been helping districts address evolving challenges. With an innovative platform, comprehensive digital courseware, adaptable technology, and extensive support, Stride Learning Solutions can help your school or district empower educators and inspire lifelong learners. Call 844.638.3533 or contact us online to learn more about using K–12 COVID relief funding for a variety of Stride Learning Solutions offerings.
