Rural and low-income schools

Award Overview

The Mississippi Department of Education received a $6.249 million Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Rural Education program (CFDA 84.358), effective July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This award supports the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program, which provides financial assistance to rural school districts to improve the quality of teaching and learning in their schools. Formula grants under this program are distributed to State Educational Agencies (SEAs), which then make subgrants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) on either a formula or competitive basis to eligible rural and low-income schools.

Products and Services Delivered

Through February 4, 2026 sub-award distributions, the Mississippi Department of Education allocated RLIS Title V funding to 65 local school districts and charter schools across Mississippi to support rural and low-income educational initiatives. Sub-awardees, including districts such as Attala County, Clarksdale Municipal, Chickasaw County, and numerous others, utilized these federal funds to enhance educational opportunities and support services in rural communities. The funded programs support core educational services including academic instruction, teacher professional development, student enrichment activities, special education services, technology integration, and comprehensive support for disadvantaged student populations in geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged rural school districts throughout the state.