New York State Education Department Awards $28.5 Million in Federal Grants to Lift Student Achievement

The New York State Education Department awarded $28.5 million in Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants to 38 school districts, Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia announced today. The grants, newly authorized under Title IV of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, will help build state and local capacity to lift the academic achievement of students throughout the State.

“These grants provide flexible funding to districts, so they can decide where the money can best be used to lift student achievement,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “For too long, we’ve seen a narrowing of the curriculum in our schools – but these grants are aimed at once again providing students with a more well-rounded education.”

“These grants have the potential to make our students healthier and safer, more well-rounded, and more tech-savvy,” said Commissioner Elia. “By providing added flexibility in the use of the grants, districts are empowered to fund activities that make the most sense for their schools and students.”

The SSAE program is intended to increase the capacity of the state Education Department, local school districts, schools and communities to provide students with access to a well-rounded education; improve school conditions for student learning; and improve the use of technology to lift the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.

Districts that receive grant awards must prioritize funding to schools based on one or more of the following criteria. The schools must:

• be among those with the greatest needs (as determined by the district);
• have the highest percentages of low-income students;
• be identified for comprehensive support and improvement;
• have consistently underperforming subgroups of students; or
• be identified as a persistently dangerous school.

The grant term runs through September 30, 2019.

The Department awarded grants in three content areas: (1) Well-Rounded Educational Opportunities; (2) Safe and Healthy Students; and (3) Effective Use of Technology.

SSAE Awards: Well-Rounded Educational Opportunities

SSAE Awards: Safe and Healthy Students

SSAE Awards: Effective Use of Technology