{"id":5547,"date":"2022-09-22T15:35:34","date_gmt":"2022-09-22T15:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agile-ed.com\/?p=5547"},"modified":"2023-02-03T21:11:27","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T21:11:27","slug":"american-rescue-plan-arp-funding-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agile-ed.com\/resources\/american-rescue-plan-arp-funding-update\/","title":{"rendered":"American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funding Update"},"content":{"rendered":"

American Rescue Plan (ARP) in 2022 <\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The ARP was renewed in 2022, and the stipulations were also adjusted. According to the White House, “In 2022, CDC will <\/span>award $3 billion<\/span><\/a> through a new, first of its kind American Rescue Plan-funded grant program to strengthen the future public health workforce, including offering community health workers and others hired for COVID-19 response support in continuing their careers as public health professionals beyond the pandemic.” <\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to those who work in schools, the government called the education portion “$12 Billion in American Rescue Plan Education Funds to Strengthen the K-12 Educator Workforce and Expand Workforce Credentials.” Their goal is to give school districts more funding to close the learning gap that many students are facing.<\/span><\/p>\n

This focus even extended to higher education beyond the K-12 student population. The goal is to boost the educated American workforce through college or trade school completion. Community colleges received $10 Billion, half of which goes directly to student success. <\/span><\/p>\n

The looming funding cliff<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Education
Education Fund in a can ARP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While these funds have previously helped students and teachers to some extent, they will eventually end once the year ends. This means that some of the money must be used by a certain point, and the funding will no longer be available. The result of this is what is known as a funding gap. <\/span><\/p>\n

A funding gap happens when a program or specific operation relies on money from the ARP, which will not be replaced. This means that some programs may not be able to continue or that there will be a drop-off in support previously available. While this is not something we know for sure will happen, the funding cliff is a possibility that should be prepared for. <\/span><\/p>\n

Preparing for a funding cliff <\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are ways to <\/span>prepare for the reduction of resources and funding<\/span><\/a>. But, school districts should first keep their eyes forward and prepare for the possibility of the ARP not being renewed. Several strategies are currently in place in some school districts. One of the main strategies is to create a financial soft landing. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is a soft landing? <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Instead of a harsh reaction to the withdrawal of funds, it’s best to create a use for the money that does not rely exclusively on the continuation of the ARP. For example, school districts are using the money for one-time, essential purchases. This could include:<\/span><\/p>\n