Utah American Rescue Plan Act Afterschool and Summer Funding (ESSER III)

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) 2021 was signed into law on March 11, 2021 and provides an additional $122.8 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III Fund). ESSER III Fund awards to state education agencies (SEAs) are in the same proportion as each State received funds under Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, as amended, in Fiscal Year 2020.

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is distributing these funds by application in alignment with the federal distribution formula. The Utah State Board of Education will be spending the flexible state reserve as follows:

• 1% for evidenced based summer enrichment programs - $6,155,260.70
• 1% for evidenced based comprehensive after school programs $6,155,260.70

Eligibility:

• Each organization can only be the fiscal lead on one application.
  • However, organizations may collaborate with other applications and organizations as a partner.
• No more than 10 program sites can be included in one application.
• Program Site Operation: Duration Requirements
  • School Year - minimum of 32 weeks during school year, 10 hours per week
  • Summer - minimum of 6 weeks during summer months (can be non-consecutive), 20 hours per week
  • Support from Certified Teacher
• Participation Requirement: Serve a minimum of 10 youth on an average daily basis (ADA)
• All staff working 10 hours or more at a program site must receive a minimum of 25 hours of professional development each year.
• Must include family engagement activities as part of all funded afterschool and summer program(s).
• Programs must include a balance of both academic and enrichment activities.
• Evidence-based practices for academic enrichment and social emotional learning.
• Identify and serve students in need, including:
  • Students from economically disadvantaged households;
  • Students from traditionally underserved communities;
  • Students with disabilities;
  • Students identified as needing academic support;
  • Students experiencing homelessness;
  • Students in foster care;
  • Students who are English Learners;
  • Students who have been impacted by COVID-19;
  • Students who missed the most in person instruction for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years;
  • Students who did not consistently participate in remote instruction when offered during school building closures;
  • Students with families engaged in migratory agricultural work; and
  • Students from refugee backgrounds.

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