Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill creates a new federal grant program to help schools address students' academic, mental health, and social-emotional needs, with a strong focus on communities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Grant money can be used for tutoring, extended learning time (including summer programs), mental health services, trauma-informed practices, hiring diverse educators, and implementing culturally responsive curricula.
• At least half of grant funds must go to schools serving communities where 20% or more of children live in low-income families, and at least 25% must go to rural schools.
• The program authorizes $15 billion per year for fiscal years 2027-2029, stepping down to $10 billion per year through 2033, and $5 billion per year through 2036, totaling $95 billion over 10 years.
• Five percent of program funds are reserved for schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, and for-profit entities are explicitly excluded from receiving grants.
• Grant recipients must submit annual reports showing how money was spent and whether it improved student outcomes, with results broken out by student subgroups including low-income students, English learners, and students with disabilities.