Student support and academic enrichment grants

The Department of Education Iowa received a $7.95 million Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Program Formula Grant (CFDA 84.424) from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, effective July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This formula grant funds initiatives designed to improve student academic achievement by expanding the capacity of states, local educational agencies, schools, and communities to deliver comprehensive educational services across three primary service categories: providing students with access to well-rounded education; improving school conditions for student learning; and enhancing technology utilization to advance academic achievement and digital literacy.

As the state pass-through entity, the Department of Education Iowa distributed funds to 16 Iowa school districts serving as sub-awardees, including Iowa City Community School District, Des Moines Public Schools, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Davenport Community School District, and Dubuque Community School District, among others. These local education agencies utilize the funding to support academic enrichment programs, professional development for educators, school safety initiatives, technology infrastructure upgrades, and mental health support services. The sub-awards, dated August 1, 2025, enable these districts to deliver direct educational services and capacity-building activities to their respective student populations across Iowa.