Partnerships for School Attendance Grant

The Partnerships for School Attendance grant program is administered by the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education within its Division of Strategic Funding for School Quality. The program is funded through local appropriations authorized under District law and is designed to address persistent challenges related to student attendance in public and public charter schools across Washington, DC. The initiative reflects a broader policy priority to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve educational outcomes by strengthening coordination between schools and community-based organizations. The core purpose of the grant is to reduce chronic absenteeism by providing targeted, evidence-based, and culturally responsive wraparound services to students and their families. The program supports partnerships between community-based organizations and DC schools to identify and address the root causes of absenteeism, including barriers such as health issues, housing instability, disengagement, and lack of family support. The program is structured around a multi-tiered system of supports that includes universal prevention, early intervention, and intensive intervention strategies, ensuring that services are responsive to varying levels of student need. Funding is available as a multi-year commitment structured over a three-year period, with funds distributed annually in two phases consisting of an initial planning award and a subsequent implementation award. The program anticipates approximately two million dollars in total funding per year, though final award amounts are contingent upon available funds and applicant performance. Allowable uses of funds include personnel salaries and benefits, transportation for program activities, materials and supplies, professional development, and contracted services. Funds may not be used for routine commuting expenses. Reimbursement is provided on a cost-reimbursement basis and requires adherence to strict financial documentation and reporting standards. Eligibility for the program is limited to community-based organizations that partner with DC public or public charter schools serving students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Eligible applicants must demonstrate knowledge of attendance policies, experience delivering wraparound services, and capacity to implement multi-tiered support systems. Applicants are also required to maintain appropriate staff clearances and must submit applications through the Enterprise Grants Management System, including detailed program narratives, budgets, and letters of commitment from partner schools. The application process is competitive and involves multiple required components, including an executive summary, program goals aligned with measurable outcomes, a detailed project narrative, and evidence of organizational capacity. Applications are reviewed by a panel of qualified external reviewers using a structured rubric that evaluates program design, implementation strategy, financial management, and sustainability. Priority consideration may be given to applicants partnering with schools designated for improvement. Applicants must also participate in pre-application sessions and may submit questions prior to a specified deadline. The timeline for the grant includes an application release date of January 29, 2026, and a submission deadline of March 20, 2026. Pre-application sessions are held in early February, and applications must be submitted electronically through the designated system. Awards are expected to begin in July 2026, with program implementation extending through June 2029. Continued funding beyond the initial award period is contingent upon performance, compliance with program requirements, and availability of funds. Applicants are notified of funding decisions following the review process, and successful applicants receive a formal grant award notification outlining terms and conditions. The program emphasizes continuous improvement and accountability through required data collection, reporting, and evaluation activities. Grantees must participate in ongoing monitoring, submit quarterly reports, and maintain detailed documentation for a period of five years. The program also requires coordination with existing local initiatives and active engagement with families, schools, and community partners. Through its structured framework and comprehensive support model, the grant aims to create sustainable improvements in student attendance and long-term academic success across the District.

Align program design with MTSS framework demonstrate strong school partnerships and provide clear measurable outcomes supported by data driven strategies