The Biden-Harris administration—and the members of Congress who stand up for public education—made the single-largest investment in U.S. public schools in history. They passed the $170 billion American Rescue Plan, delivering critical services and resources to students and educators around the country. Here are just a few examples of how the funds helped:
Summer Reading in Alabama
The Alabama State Department of Education committed $18 million to Summer Reading Camps and the Alabama Summer Achievement Program, both of which were available to all K-3 students struggling with literacy.
School Counselors in Arizona
In 2021, Arizona dedicated $21 million to support unfunded school counselor and social worker positions at more than 140 schools. The new staff provide one-on-one counseling and suicide prevention support, connect families with social services, and alleviate the strain on teachers and principals.
Summer supports in Connecticut
The state invested $8 million of ARP money to provide more consistent mental health supports for students. This work included mental health training programs and summer camps for students. All camp and program staff received training on social and emotional learning strategies for students.
Lost students found in Florida
More than 7,000 students were missing from Hillsborough County Schools at the start of the 2020–2021 school year. The district deployed social workers to homes, motels, and shelters; created social media pages in Spanish to reach Latinx families; and helped parents make informed decisions about sending their children back
to school. By December 2020, 96 percent of those students had been located.
HVAC upgrades in Iowa
Iowa made facility repairs across multiple districts, including an HVAC overhaul in many buildings.
Career coaches in Montana
To reverse pandemic learning loss, the state launched the Montana Ready program and added new career coach positions. The goal of the program is to support college- and career-readiness among students through partnerships with public groups, private businesses, nonprofits, and other community stakeholders.
Teacher diversity in New York
The state began Teacher Diversity Pipeline pilot programs to help teacher aides and assistants become certified teachers. The program focuses on increasing diversity among the state’s teaching force and addressing teacher shortages.
Learning recovery in Ohio
Columbus dedicated more than $15 million to address pandemic learning loss. The district hired additional counselors, intervention specialists, social workers, and support staff; partnered with local organizations to offer social and emotional services; offered free online tutoring; and expanded its summer school program.
More staff in Pennsylvania
The Butler Area School District hired more teachers and support staff to curb pandemic learning loss, and brought on eight fulltime mental health counselors to support students’ social and emotional wellness.
Literacy and math specialists in Wisconsin
The Appleton Area School District hired additional literacy and math interventionists as well as graduation coaches for juniors and seniors who fell behind during the pandemic.
