English language acquisition: state formula grant program

The Minnesota Department of Education received a $10.52 million Formula Grant from the Office of English Language Acquisition under the English Language Acquisition State Grants program (CFDA 84.365), awarded July 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. This award supports comprehensive language instruction services designed to help English learners, including immigrant children and youth, achieve English language proficiency while meeting challenging state academic standards. The funding supports a broad range of educational products and services including English language instruction, academic enrichment programs, professional development for educators, curriculum development, parent engagement initiatives, and technology-based learning programs.

As the State Educational Agency (SEA) grantee, the Minnesota Department of Education 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 deliver services to English learner populations within the state. The SEA establishes standards for English proficiency, manages sub-grant processes, and maintains accountability for sub-grantee performance. This formula-based allocation model ensures predictable and consistent federal funding to Minnesota based on its English learner student population, with the Department of Education serving as the administrative entity responsible for distributing resources to school districts, charter schools, intermediate school districts, and educational service agencies across the state's urban, suburban, and rural jurisdictions.