Student support and academic enrichment grants

The Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded the Illinois State Board of Education $54,520,709 on July 1, 2026, under the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants program (CFDA 84.424). The award funds formula grant distribution to local educational agencies and schools throughout Illinois to improve student academic achievement by providing all students with access to a well-rounded education, improving school conditions for student learning, and enhancing the use of technology to improve academic achievement and digital literacy. The Illinois State Board of Education serves as the state educational agency administering the grant with place of performance in Springfield, Illinois. The award period runs through September 30, 2027. As a formula grant, the award flows as sub-grants to local educational agencies and schools across Illinois, which must reserve at least 95 percent of their allocations for direct subgrants to LEAs and may use no more than 1 percent for administrative costs. LEAs receiving allocations of $30,000 or more must dedicate at least 20 percent of funds to well-rounded educational opportunities, at least 20 percent to safe and healthy students, and a portion to effective use of technology. The Illinois State Board of Education functions as a pass-through entity distributing federal funds to hundreds of local school districts, educational service centers, charter schools, and community organizations throughout the state while maintaining oversight and compliance responsibilities.