Utah schools approved for additional education funding

The U.S. Department of Education recently approved more than $205 million in funding for Utah schools. Photo: Tamanna Rumee

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah. — The U.S. Department of Education (ED) recently approved more than $205 million in funding for Utah schools.

The funds derived from the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill signed into law in March by President Joe Biden.

Earlier in 2021, the Department distributed two-thirds of the funding dedicated to Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief.

The final third of the funds are being allocated to states once their plans are approved by the ED.

Top priorities highlighted in Utah’s plan include addressing student mental health, identifying disengaged students, and tackling literacy in grades K-12.

The state plans to put the funds directly into summer learning and afterschool programming through a competitive grant process to both districts and community-based organizations.