In Spring 2021, Innovate parent leaders throughout California organized to ensure a full recovery for students most affected by the pandemic and won big! Through their hard work, Innovate parent leaders and community-based organizations secured an unprecedented amount of funding for students. In order to distribute these funds, California created the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program and Grant. Although they sound similar, these two programs differ in available funds, scope, timeframe, and much more. Here, we break down the key differences between these two California COVID relief initiatives.
What are “Expanded Learning Opportunities?”
When Governor Newsom signed the 2021-22 California state budget, he authorized the highest level of education funding in California’s history, totalling $123.9 billion or $21,555 per pupil. In tandem with an earlier COVID relief package, California set aside billions of dollars for Expanded Learning Opportunities.
Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) are academic and learning programs that exist outside of regular school hours, like after school and during summer. Examples of these programs include tutoring programs, after school clubs, and summer camp, to name a few.
School districts, county offices of education, and charter schools – also known as local education agencies – aren’t the only ELO providers. Since ELOs operate outside of school hours, local education agencies (LEA) can leverage community-based organizations to provide these programs. This is an essential piece in ensuring that the most impacted students have access to a full recovery.
As of November 2021, California aims to fund Expanded Learning Opportunities through two programs: the ELO Program (ELO-P) and ELO Grant (ELO-G).
Key differences between ELO-P and ELO-G
As stated, it’s easy to confuse the ELO Program and ELO Grant. Both initiatives provide historic funding, which school districts can use to provide after school and summer learning opportunities for students most impacted by the pandemic. So, what’s the difference between the ELO Program and ELO Grant?
Where does the money come from and how much?
For starters, ELO-P provides $5B over five years, with an initial $1.8B for 2021-22, sourced exclusively from the state. Contrarily, California distributes ELO-G funds, from state and federal sources, in a one-time $4.8B lump sum.
How can funds be used?
Additionally, ELO-P funds must be used for learning opportunities outside normal school hours. On the other hand, Expanded Learning Opportunities Grants may be used to support seven supplemental and support strategies. These strategies are “extending instructional learning time, accelerating progress to close learning gaps, integrated pupil supports, community learning hubs, supports for credit deficient pupils, additional academic services, and training for school staff.” [source]
When can funds be spent?
Notably, local education agencies (LEA) must use all ELO-P funding they receive during the school year they receive them. For instance, if SJUSD received $20M for the 2023-24 school year, then the district must spend those funds before the 2024-25 school year. The only exception to this rule is the current 2021-22 academic year, in which unused funds roll over into 2022-23. Since LEAs receive ELO-G funds in a lump sum, those funds don’t expire until September 30, 2024.
How will funds be allocated?
However, it’s not all differences between the two initiatives. One way these two reflect each other is regarding funding allocation. With the Program and Grant, the California Department of Education (CDE) distributes funds to LEAs based on prior year enrollment, with priority for high needs students. Once LEAs receive the funds, they determine how to spend the funds, within the conditions listed above.
To summarize, these are the key differences between the two COVID relief initiatives:
Program
- $5 billion over the next 5 years, starting with $1.8B for 2021-22
- State-sourced funds
- Districts must use funds the year they are received*
- Must be used to expand learning outside regular school hours for TK-6 students
- Distributed based on prior year enrollment, with priority for high needs students
Grant
- $4.6 billion one-time lump sum for 2021-23
- State- and federally-sourced funds
- Districts can spend funds anytime between July 1, 2020 & September 30, 2024
- Flexible, but must be used for extra instruction and support, including mental health services
- Distributed based on prior year enrollment, with priority for high needs students
*Districts can spend funds they received in 2021-22 into the next school year 2022-23
What does ELO mean for California’s most impacted students?
For Innovate parent leaders, the spotlight shines on the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. With ELO-P, California set aside a historic $5 billion – over the next 5 years – for expanded learning (including after school and summer learning). As time passes, it becomes clear that local education agencies are struggling to use or even understand these funds. In some cases, LEAs don’t have the means to leverage the ELO Program.
So, we implore school leaders, education policy-makers, and community-based organizations to collaborate on the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. We need all hands on deck to ensure that all California students have access to these services. Only together can we provide after school and individualized support for all students. Now that funding is secured, Innovate parent leaders want to ensure that these funds fulfill their promise of a full academic, social, and emotional recovery.
Take action now
As California prepares for another historic budget surplus in 2022, we must ensure that legislators prioritize after school enrichment and tutoring to help students fully recover, catch up academically, and thrive. Tell CA legislators to fulfill the promise of after school for all!
Innovate Public Schools is a nonprofit community organization that builds the capacity of parents and educators working together to create excellent and equitable public schools.