English language acquisition: state formula grant program

The Michigan Department of Education received a Formula Grant award of $13.3 million from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition under the English Language Acquisition State Grants program (CFDA 84.365) effective July 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. As the State Educational Agency (SEA) prime grantee, MDE is required to expend at least 95 percent of its allocation through sub-grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and other eligible entities that directly serve English learner populations. The program funds comprehensive language instruction educational services designed to help English learners, including immigrant children and youth, achieve English language proficiency while meeting challenging state academic standards.

Sub-grant awards documented in this award cycle were distributed to 40+ school districts, intermediate school districts, educational service agencies, and charter schools throughout Michigan, including major recipients such as Detroit Public Schools Community District, Dearborn Public School District, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Kalamazoo Public Schools, as well as smaller districts and specialized educational entities. These sub-recipients utilize funding to deliver English language instruction, academic enrichment programs, professional development for educators, curriculum development, parent engagement initiatives, and technology-based learning supports. The sub-awards, processed between November 2025 and February 2026, enable Michigan's LEAs to provide targeted services to limited English proficiency students across urban, suburban, and rural jurisdictions statewide.