BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho State Board of Education announced on Nov. 13 that Idaho parents will be able to apply for Empowering Parents grants starting Thursday, Nov. 16 at 8 a.m., per a news release.
This is the second year of Empowering Parents program. Originally created in 2022 by Governor Brad Little and Legislature to help Idaho families in addressing learning loss, said the release. Since its launch, Empowering Parents has helped over 45,000 families.
The release also said eligible parents or guardians can use the grant money to purchase education-related services and resources on the Empowering Parents online marketing place, such as tutoring services, internet connectivity, computer hardware and software, instructional materials and more.
Empowering Parents grants will be prioritized and awarded first to households with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at or below $60,000 per year, said the release. After the first round, the AGI limit will be expanded to households earning up to $75,000 per year. After that second phase is completed, and if grants are still available, the program will be available to all other applicants first come, first serve. The application period is a rolling application, and will remain open until all the funding has been given.
The grants are available for students attending Idaho public or private schools, as well as students who are homeschooled. It applies to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
This year, nearly $30 million will be available, enough to fund just under 28,900 grants at $1,000 per student, said the release. There is a maximum of $3,000 per family.
"We are grateful to the Governor and the Legislature for providing funding to make Empower Parents a permanent program," said Matt Freeman, executive director of the State Board. "My staff continue their commitment to administer this program with fidelity and to ensure that eligible educational products and services are available for Idaho students."
The release also said, families who received funding last year are eligible for the second year, but they must reapply.
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