Programs for At-Risk Early Elementary Students Grant

The Programs for At-Risk Early Elementary Students grant is administered by the Iowa Department of Education and is funded through appropriations made by the Iowa legislature. The program is designed to support Iowa public elementary schools in addressing the needs of young learners who are at risk of educational failure. The grant specifically targets students in kindergarten through third grade, with a focus on improving outcomes for those from low-income families and other vulnerable populations. Schools are identified and notified by the Department based on enrollment data indicating high percentages of low-income students. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide supplemental funding for initiatives that enhance students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development. Allowable uses of funds include activities and materials that improve academic achievement, foster self-esteem, build social competence, and discourage harmful behaviors such as substance use. The grant emphasizes a holistic approach to early childhood education, encouraging schools to implement comprehensive strategies that support the whole child. Funds must strictly supplement existing resources and cannot replace funding that would otherwise be used for similar purposes. Funding is awarded on a three-year cycle, with annual renewal contingent upon continued legislative appropriation and compliance with program requirements. Each annual funding period aligns with the state fiscal year and must be fully expended by June 30. Grantees are required to maintain strict financial oversight, adhere to state accounting standards, and ensure that all expenditures directly support the approved project. Unallowable costs include infrastructure upgrades, indirect costs, and expenses not directly tied to student outcomes. Eligibility is limited to Iowa public elementary schools that are formally notified by the Department of Education based on qualifying criteria. The application process is conducted through the IowaGrants.gov system. Applicants must complete multiple required components, including a project description outlining goals and strategies, a detailed budget aligned with project objectives, district contact information, and a statement of assurances. Supporting documentation may also be submitted to strengthen the application. Evaluation and accountability are central to the program. Grantees must submit an initial project report and annual progress reports that demonstrate implementation fidelity and measurable student growth. An end-of-year assessment and evaluation report is required to document outcomes, including student performance data and demographic information. The Department monitors projects throughout the grant period to ensure compliance and effectiveness, and may impose sanctions for noncompliance. Key deadlines for the 2025-2026 cycle include submission of the award acceptance form by September 15, 2025, completion of the initial project description and budget by October 1, 2025, and submission of the end-of-year progress report and claim by July 10, 2026. While the grant operates on a recurring annual cycle tied to legislative funding, future availability is contingent upon continued appropriations. Program oversight and support are provided by the Iowa Department of Education, with a designated contact available for technical assistance and program inquiries.

Ensure project design clearly demonstrates measurable student growth and aligns expenditures directly with student outcomes; avoid supplanting existing funds