Below is some of the high-level detail on education funding within the combined FY21 omnibus and COVID relief package passed by the House and Senate yesterday, for those of you tracking funds that could potentially support outdoor and environmental education programs, especially in light of challenges related to COVID and school facilities. After the holiday break, I’ll provide some additional information and suggestions for how you might leverage the provisions outlined below to advocate for EE at the state and local level (and we’ll summarize overall appropriations outcomes for EE as well). 

Relevant Details for Environmental Educators in the FY 2021 Education Funding Bill (regular appropriations)

$73.5 billion overall in discretionary appropriations for the Department of Education, an increase of $716 million above FY20 and $6.9 billion above Trump’s request, including: 

• $16.6 billion for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 
• $14.1 billion for Special Education 
• $1.3 billion for Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers

These funds are directed to states and awarded to LEAs through competitive grant programs for out of school time educational activities. Under the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act, environmental education is an allowable use of funds within these programs.  

• $2.6 billion for higher education programs, with $808 million to assist primarily Minority Serving Institutions
• $1.22 billion for the Title IV.A program, a $10 million increase over FY20

Title IVA grants are distributed to states and LEAs according the Title 1 formula and may be used to support a wide range of activities for student health and well-being and to provide a “well-rounded education,” including environmental literacy.

• Career, technical, and adult education – The career and technical education state grant program got a $52 million (4.1%) increase and adult education got an $18 million (2.7%) increase.

Key Education Details for the COVID-Relief Bill (new stimulus)

COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package – Topline Summary of New Agreement 

*More information is available in the attached section by section summary

An extension for state spending — State and local governments now have until Dec. 31, 2021 to spend aid provided by the CARES Act.

Department of Education – $82 billion 
Education Stabilization Fund – $81.9 billion allocated as follows:

• $819 million for the Bureau of Indian Education and outlying areas;
• $4.1 billion for the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund*;
• $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund*; and
• $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) Fund.

 *The legislative language surrounding both the GEER and ESSER allows for tremendous flexibility in how the money can be spent to best meet the unique needs of any given school or district. ESSER funds may essentially be used for anything that is already allowed for under existing law (e.g., environmental education as provided for in Title IV of the Every Student Succeeds Act) and also adds provisions for funds to be used for improvements to school facilities or other needs associated with providing a safe and healthy learning environment.