English language acquisition: state formula grant program

The Mississippi Department of Education received a Formula Grant award of $2,121,059 from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition for the English Language Acquisition State Grants program (CFDA 84.365) effective July 1, 2025 through 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 state academic standards. The state agency expends a minimum of 95 percent of allocated funds through sub-grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and other eligible entities that directly deliver English language instruction, academic enrichment programs, professional development for educators, curriculum development, and parent engagement initiatives to English learner populations.

The Mississippi Department of Education distributed sub-awards totaling the grant allocation to 31 school districts across the state, including major recipients such as Jackson Public Schools, Biloxi Public School District, Desoto County School District, and Pontotoc County Schools, among others. These sub-awardees provide Title III English language programs serving both immigrant (IMM) and Limited English Proficient (LEP) student populations through direct instructional services, teacher professional development, and supplemental academic support. Sub-award agreements dated February 4, 2026 established funding allocations enabling participating school districts to implement targeted English language acquisition programs and support services aligned with federal program requirements and state accountability standards for English learner achievement.