Potential funding sources for approved credit-for-learning opportunities

Getting a credit-for-learning program started in your community might require some funding to support this initiative. Below are some suggestions for potential funding sources to help you get started:

• State appropriated funding: Funding appropriated through legislation or regulation that provides the option in the school funding formula to implement credit-for-learning outside the school setting could be an option. Examples include: community college, career and technical education (CTE), dual enrollment, or independent study under criteria set by state or LEA.
• Local school funding: Funding which includes the option for students to receive school credit for learning from a source, other than the school that student attends allowed by state law.
• Title I
• Parent fees
• Local scholarship funds: Philanthropic support could jump start this effort.
• Title IV A: Programs can utilize this funding stream for academic pursuit for credit by school or by another provider, such as an afterschool program. (STEM, arts, journalism as academic pursuits and many other non-school EASA allowed special grant programs was the impetus for this Title IV A to allow the LEA to decide what to invest in)
• Title IV Part B 21st CCLC: While credit for learning is not an explicit allowable use of these funds it is within the spirit of the program.
• Career Tech Education funds: Items that qualify for CTE in school or through a novel approach of internships and apprenticeships. Examples include programs focusing on engineering, architecture, construction, mechanical and digital skills, laboratory and bio research experience, etc.
• American Rescue Plan / ESSER Funds: Allowable funds from state and local ARP funds and/or ESSER funds to jump start credit-for-learning in approved settings not in the school.
• Workforce development funds: These funding opportunities could be coupled with school approved apprenticeship or internship experiences.
• Service Learning Funds: Governor’s office of volunteerism, state service commissions, or equivalent may provide funding that can support credit for learning through service with adequate academic applicability.
• Community Foundations and/or United Way provided funds: Local foundations may have funding opportunities that can be applied to for credit-for-learning initiatives.
• YMCA or any physical education provider scholarships: The funding could be applied to programs offering health and wellness or physical fitness credits as allowed by the LEA. Afterschool programs like USA Soccer for Success with writing, computer skills and soccer as its program could adapt to a credit model with guidance.
• Re-think summer school: Not just remedial and credit make up, but youth could earn credits through activities and experiences in their summer program. This could be appropriate for credit toward graduation or elective credits. Some program examples include: tech related summer programs, game design, entrepreneurship opportunities, engineering or ‘maker’ projects, etc.
• AmeriCorps-supported projects: AmeriCorps-supported projects that have an educational outcome for the participant as part of its service assignment. Summer projects would lend itself to this option. Project examples could include: introduction to public health work, designing and building playgrounds, examining housing initiatives, or high school youth working with younger students on STEM, health, or arts projects with learning objectives and guidance.