Federal Grant Award Summary

Swain County Board of Education received a $557,785 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Impact Aid Program (CFDA 84.041) effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2031. This award supports comprehensive K-12 educational services for the school district in Bryson City, North Carolina, which qualifies for Impact Aid funding due to reduced local tax revenue resulting from federal land acquisition within the district's boundaries. The funding enables the district to maintain and enhance educational programs including general instruction, special education, English language learner services, school nutrition, career and technical education, and teacher professional development.

The award builds upon Swain County Schools' established track record as a consistent recipient of federal education grants, particularly those serving Native American and military-connected student populations. The district has previously leveraged federal funding to support academic instruction, cultural programming, student support services, and college access initiatives through partnerships with entities such as Appalachian State University's GEAR UP program and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. This Impact Aid award continues the district's efforts to provide equitable educational opportunities and maintain service quality in a federally impacted area.