English language acquisition: state formula grant program

The Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition awarded the Nebraska Department of Education $4,363,776.00 under the English Language Acquisition State Grants program (CFDA 84.365) effective July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This formula grant funds 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 Nebraska Department of Education, as the State Educational Agency (SEA), is required to expend at least 95 percent of the allocation through sub-grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and other eligible entities that directly deliver services to English learner populations.

As of the award documentation reviewed, the Nebraska Department of Education distributed funds to 28 sub-grantees across the state, including major school districts such as Omaha Public Schools, Grand Island Public Schools, Millard Public Schools, and Papillion-La Vista Public Schools, as well as numerous mid-sized and smaller districts and Educational Service Units (ESUs). These sub-awardees provide direct English language instruction, academic enrichment programs, professional development for educators, curriculum development, and parent engagement initiatives to support English learners in meeting state academic standards. Sub-awards were issued between October 9, 2025, and January 9, 2026, demonstrating rapid distribution of federal resources to local educational entities throughout Nebraska for the delivery of English language acquisition services.