Federal grants would help eligible schools build community support programs

The Education Department would award competitive grants for community school planning, starting programs, and expanding existing ones. An eligible school is a public elementary or secondary school where at least 40 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, or that has been identified as needing additional support. Eligible entities apply for grants to serve such schools. The program would use funds made available for this purpose; authorization alone does not provide the money. Planning grants may last up to two years, implementation grants last five years, and expansion grants last three to five years. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal years 2027 through 2031; grants would run for the periods stated in the grant rules.

The Education Department could award grants to states to support community schools across their state. State education agencies receiving a grant would plan and support new or existing full-service community schools through local school districts. States would have to apply and use at least 90 percent of the grant for direct support, professional development, technical help, or local grants. The bill authorizes no more than 15 percent of program funds for state grants.

Congress would be authorized to provide specified amounts for the community school program. The authorized amounts would support the full-service community school program. These amounts are authorized, not guaranteed appropriations; Congress would still need to provide the money. The authorization covers fiscal years 2027 through 2031.