Earlier this year, Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature created the Empowering Parents $50 million grant program to help curve learning loss as a result of the pandemic.
The Idaho State Board of Education intends to make grant applications available to Idaho families in mid-September. A portal is available now where parents can sign up to receive updates on the program: https://boardofed.idaho.gov/empowering-parents-program/
Eligible parents or guardians will be able to use the grant funds to purchase education-related resources and services from the Empowering Parents online marketplace. Qualifying purchases include internet connectivity, computer hardware and software, instructional materials, tutoring services, etc.
The program will provide $1,000 per student or a maximum of $3,000 per family. Students attending Idaho public or private schools, or students who are homeschooled are all eligible. The program applies to students in kindergarten through the 12th grade.
Grants will be prioritized and awarded first to households with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at or below $60,000 per year. Once the first phase of awards is complete, the AGI limit will be expanded to households earning up to $75,000 per year. After that phase, if there are any grant funds still available, the program will be available to all other eligible students.