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:
