Idaho Expands Educational Opportunities Despite Pandemic

Idaho
Opportunity

On Friday, Idaho Governor Brad Little announced a significant investment of $50 million in CARES Act funding directly to parents through his Strong Families, Strong Students initiative. The program will allow Idaho families to better customize their child’s education and meet the challenges of remote learning by providing up to $1,500 per child ($3,500 maximum per family) toward purchasing educational materials, devices and services.

All students need immediate access to digital tools, learning support and supplemental resources so they do not fall behind on their education right now, especially as a result of pandemic-related school closures.

“When parents have to step in to provide instruction and equipment due to school-related closures, we see them pushed out of the workforce – something that strains our economic rebound.”

Governor Brad Little

Families with an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less will receive priority in the first round of funding. Families can begin applying for the education grants in October.

With this announcement, Governor Little joins several other states, including Florida, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, North Carolina and South Carolina, using CARES Act funding to directly support students and parents.

Solution Areas:

Digital Policy

Topics:

COVID-19