The U.S. Department of Education (EDU) is optimistic that a $277 million grant will enhance student success in reading and math. The grant is part of the department's initiative to support academic recovery, with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
According to an EDU news release, the funds are supported by the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant program. The hope is that these funds can restore state-administered test scores to pre-pandemic levels. Of the $277 million grant, $90.3 million has been allocated for STEM, $87.2 million for student mental health, and $76.5 million for projects in rural areas.
"This $277 million in grant awards from the Biden-Harris Administration will fund some of the nation’s most promising efforts to raise the bar for academic recovery, excellence, and equity in education," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "I am especially excited to have the Department of Education support innovative efforts across the country to enhance literacy, math, and STEM instruction broadly in underserved communities and set the stage for young people to succeed, as well as learn how to address real-world problems in today’s most cutting-edge fields. All of this year’s grantees are pioneering exciting, evidence-based strategies to close opportunity gaps and provide young people with engaging and impactful learning experiences they deserve so that they can achieve at high levels."
The EDU news release further states that EIR grants have been awarded to 45 grantees with a goal to promote educational innovation and help create, implement, replicate, and expand entrepreneurial evidence-based inventions that improve outcomes for marginalized students. The primary aim of this grant is to bridge the gap for historically underserved students.
"Diversity is the strength of our nation; it fuels innovation and progress. In celebration of the YOU Belong in STEM anniversary, the Department is pleased to support these new EIR grantees that advance our goal to create a more inclusive STEM community, while also supporting student success in math and reading," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. "As the Department continues to advance equity and innovation, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the YOU Belong in STEM anniversary and the positive impact these EIR grantees will have on shaping the future of education."
