Funding

ED Simplifies Small, Rural School Grant App Process

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 12/12/19

The United States Department of Education has simplified the application method for applying for small, rural school grants in 2020, shortening the process from three hours to 30 minutes. Applying for 2020 Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) awards has been streamlined, according to the agency, in response to feedback from superintendents and others in those qualifying districts.

Among the changes, the new procedure uses a single online program to collect applicant information; previously, people had to navigate three websites.

Those school systems eligible to apply (some 2,500 nationwide) will receive email invitations with a unique link; that email will go out to school district contacts provided by state education agencies.

The email will also include "enhanced guidance" on how to choose between SRSA or the Rural and Low-income School program (RLIS). For example, the message will include award estimates for both programs. Previously, applicants had to sort out the differences themselves based on their own research.

Finally, applicants will receive confirmation emails that include a summary of responses for their school district to keep for their records as well as directions for next steps.