American rescue plan - elementary and secondary schools emergency relief fund (ARP-ESSER)

This federal Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Education provided $1.54 billion to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction through the Education Stabilization Fund program (CFDA 84.425) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was awarded on March 24, 2021 and must be expended by September 30, 2023.

The Wisconsin DPI subsequently distributed these American Rescue Plan (ARP) - Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) funds to over 200 local educational agencies and community organizations across Wisconsin through subawards ranging from under $100,000 to over $100 million. Subawardees included traditional public school districts, charter schools, and nonprofit organizations serving K-12 students. Funded services focused on COVID-19 mitigation and response efforts like virus testing, personal protective equipment, ventilation system upgrades, and academic support services to address pandemic-related learning loss and prepare for future emergencies affecting education. The broad range of subawardees and flexibility of allowable services under this program aimed to support Wisconsin students' well-being and continued access to education throughout the ongoing public health crisis.