2025 Quality Schools Grant Program

The Quality Schools Grant Program, administered by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED), was established in 1998 with the purpose of enhancing student achievement through the systematic improvement of public schools in Alaska. This initiative falls under the broader Quality Schools Initiative, which provides explicit educational standards that guide school improvements statewide. The program encourages alignment with Alaska’s established educational benchmarks across several categories: Student Standards, Professional Standards, Family-School-Business-Community Networks, and School Excellence Standards. The funding from the grant must be used in alignment with these focus areas, ensuring that all activities contribute to the academic growth of students. Districts are expected to clearly demonstrate how their proposed uses of funds will promote measurable improvements in student performance. Approved activities may include the development or enhancement of curriculum, teacher training aligned with state educator standards, engagement initiatives that connect families and communities with schools, and other programs fostering educational excellence. Each fiscal year, approximately $4 million is allocated to this program, with individual district entitlements determined by multiplying their adjusted Average Daily Membership (ADM) by $16. This amount may be subject to pro rata reductions if statewide appropriations fall short. Funds are distributed as a single lump sum by January 15 of the applicable school year. Notably, districts receiving $10,000 or less benefit from a simplified application process and are not required to submit an End of Year Report. Districts must submit a grant application by May 1 annually to receive funding for the subsequent school year. The application must include a comprehensive program plan and budget that detail how the district intends to meet the outlined goals, along with measurable objectives and a description of the methods for evaluating success. In cases where applications are denied, districts are allowed to revise and resubmit within 30 days of the notification. Appeals follow established state education procedures. Contacts for the grant include Education Specialist II Kevin Dennis (Kevin.Dennis2@alaska.gov) and Education Administrator II Brittnay Bailey (Brittnay.Bailey@alaska.gov). General inquiries can be directed to DEED via email at eed.contact@alaska.gov or by calling 907-465-2800. Forms and regulation references are available through the DEED website, and key deadlines include May 1 for applications and July 30 for End of Year Reports. The grant follows an annual cycle and awards are consistent year-to-year unless significant changes in enrollment are anticipated. The program does not stipulate a required cost share or matching component.

Align activities with student achievement standards and clearly outline measurable objectives and evaluation methods.