American Rescue Plan: Five Guiding Principles
Guidance and resources for States and Districts to use Federal COVID relief funds to advance healthy and green schools.
In recent COVID-19 relief funding, the Federal government has approved $176 billion for K-12 schools. The funding headed to schools represents an enormous opportunity to address and support student needs during the ongoing pandemic and to address persistent inequities. What's more, the one-time nature of these funds makes them an excellent fit for durable investments in facilities that will provide long-term health benefits and financial savings.
READ: GO DEEP ON EACH OF OUR FIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES
WATCH OUR WEBINAR
On July 22, 2021, we co-hosted a webcast on the Five Guiding Principles to support district leaders and advocates with using COVID relief funds to advance healthy and green schools. Note: Access is free, but you will need to sign in with a USGBC.org account (create an account for free by clicking “account” and then “create one” on the top right of the screen).
LEARN MORE
U.S. Department of Education FAQ for COVID relief funding, FAQ for school construction projects, and requesting an extension to March 2026 to liquidate funds.
U.S. Department of Education IAQ guidance for schools
U.S. Department of Education ESSER information for non-public schools
Spreadsheet compiled by the Center for Green Schools, listing websites for ESSER guidance state-by-state as well as links to the plans each state submitted to the U.S. Dept. of Education for the use of their ARP funds
K-12Dive, Education Dept issues details for ARP spending extension requests, September 20, 2023
FutureEd, How States Are Using Federal Funds for Learning Recovery, July 6, 2021
FutureEd, What Congressional Covid Funding Means for K-12 Schools, July 27, 2021
FutureEd, State Plan Tracking [Live Spreadsheet]
National Conference of State Legislatures, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Tracker
