S. 4288: Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026

The Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026 aims to create a grant program overseen by the Department of Education focused on ensuring educational equity. Here are the key components of the bill:

Definitions

• Educational Service Agency: A defined term as per the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which refers to entities that assist local school districts.
• Eligible Entities: Includes local educational agencies, state educational agencies, educational service agencies, consortia of these agencies, partnerships with non-profits that involve local educational agencies and other community-based organizations, and the Bureau of Indian Education. For-profit entities are excluded from eligibility.

Establishment of Program

The Secretary of Education is tasked with creating the Educational Equity Challenge Grant program. The program will provide grants to eligible entities to:

• Implement evidence-based strategies that address various needs—academic, social-emotional, mental, behavioral, and physical health—especially those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Design and replicate educator-driven proposals to meet those needs, with an independent evaluation required to assess effectiveness.

Funding Allocation

Specific provisions for funding include:

• Administrative costs for the program can take up to 5% of total funds.
• 5% of available funds are reserved for grants to outlying areas and the Bureau of Indian Education.
• 75% of the grant funds will go to evidence-based proposals, while 25% will go to field-initiated proposals.
• At least 25% of grants must go to entities serving rural areas, and at least 50% to those serving low-income students.

Application and Reporting Process

Applicants must submit detailed applications including:

• An identification of student inequities in academic progress and health needs.
• Evidence-based strategies to address these inequities.
• Methods to measure success in areas such as academic progress and social-emotional health.
• Partnership details with parents, teachers, and community stakeholders.

Grantees are required to submit annual reports detailing the use and effectiveness of the funds. The Secretary will also publish a report to Congress annually detailing grant outcomes.

Evaluation and Oversight

Grantees must conduct independent evaluations of their programs to assess effectiveness and share findings publicly. This includes cooperation with technical assistance provided by the Department of Education.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes considerable funding for the program:

• $15 billion annually for fiscal years 2027-2029.
• $10 billion annually for fiscal years 2030-2033.
• $5 billion annually for fiscal years 2034-2036.

Priority for Grants

In awarding grants, priority will be given to applicants that serve higher percentages of high-need students, including those from low-income families and students disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Collective Bargaining Rights

The legislation does not impact the rights and procedures established under existing collective bargaining agreements between educational staff and their employers.

Independent Evaluations

Grantees must ensure that activities funded under independent proposals are independently evaluated, and results must be made available to the public to enhance transparency and accountability.

Relevant Companies