#AskExcelinEd: How can states use CARES Act funding for education?

Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Virginia

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the U.S. Department of Education made available almost $3 billion for the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER). Governors across the nation must be strategic with their use of GEER funds to support education in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Right now governors can help students, families and educators in their state respond to and recover from continued effects of COVID-19.

Governor Bush’s Advice for State Leaders

Governors, Use the CARES Act for Transformational Education Reform

When Congress passed the CARES Act to respond to COVID-19, it tucked into the legislation $3 billion for governors to use on education as they see fit. This money is a rare opportunity for governors to do something big, bold, and lasting.

Cares Act State Spotlight

Florida’s CARES Plan Wisely Invests to Support Educators, Students

The Sunshine State’s plan outlines numerous initiatives aimed at education support and recovery. The most compelling seek to boost reading proficiency, stem learning loss, and prepare educators for virtual instruction.

Arizona Students, Educators Receive Strong Support from Governor Ducey’s CARES Act Plan

In addition to $40 million to expand broadband in rural communities through infrastructure investments to bridge the digital divide, the AZCares plan provides a roadmap for ensuring students receive a quality education, by fueling innovative solutions, providing extra supports in high-need schools and improving distance learning options.

Virginia’s CARES Plan Invests in Students’ Academic and Emotional Needs

In addition to $27 million for devices and internet to bridge the digital divide and $10 million towards early childhood education, the Commonwealth’s plan outlines several other initiatives aimed at education support and recovery, including addressing instructional loss, preparing educators for virtual instruction and supporting students’ social and emotional needs.

Maryland Supports Innovative Approaches to Help Students During Pandemic

This week, Governor Larry Hogan and Superintendent Karen Salmon announced $255 million in education funding to help students affected by the pandemic through innovation grants and targeted tutoring initiatives to support underserved student populations. Additionally, in order to bridge the digital divide, Maryland is investing in broadband infrastructure, beginning with rural communities that currently lack service, and for devices and internet connectivity to enhance distance learning.