ED Releases guide to federal funding for science and stem education
December 6, 2022
On December 6, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education released a Dear Colleague Letter which details how states and districts can use Federal funds to support STEM and science education. Examples and resources in the ED letter include how federal funds can be used to improve student access to materials and equipment needed to support inquiry-based pedagogy and active learning. For example, federal funding can be used to enhance STEM school-based laboratories, makers spaces, and other specialized learning spaces. Specifically, Title I, Part A funds can be used to update existing STEM-related labs and lab materials or other specialized learning spaces to support inquiry-based STEM or maker activities, and Title IV, Part A funds can be used to purchase devices, equipment, and STEM-related software, including simulation applications, to address readiness shortfalls. (ESEA section 4109). The Department of Education is strongly encouraging state, district, and school leaders to refer to the letter as they work to leverage education pandemic funding (American Rescue Plan and ESSER), funding from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Perkins V.