English language acquisition: state formula grant program

The Arizona Department of Education received a $15,515,599 Formula Grant award from the Office of English Language Acquisition under the English Language Acquisition State Grants program (CFDA 84.365) effective July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. As the State Educational Agency (SEA) prime grantee, the Arizona Department of Education is responsible for distributing at least 95 percent of these funds through sub-grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and other eligible entities that directly serve English learner (EL) populations, including immigrant children and youth. The program supports comprehensive language instruction services designed to help ELs achieve English language proficiency while meeting state academic standards, encompassing English language instruction, academic enrichment programs, professional development for educators, curriculum development, parent engagement initiatives, and technology-based learning programs.

The Arizona Department of Education allocated sub-grant awards to 59 school districts, charter schools, educational service agencies, and nonprofit organizations throughout Arizona, including Phoenix Union High School District, Scottsdale Unified School District 48, Tucson Unified School District, Mesa Unified School District 4, Peoria Unified School District 11, and numerous other LEAs and eligible entities across urban, suburban, and rural jurisdictions. These sub-grantees utilize the formula-based funding to implement English language acquisition programs, professional development initiatives, and targeted academic support services for English learner students consistent with Title III grant guidelines and federal accountability requirements under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.