Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman have announced $19 million in targeted grant funding to help schools and students most impacted by COVID-19. 

More than 180 schools are eligible for the Acceleration Academies Grant Program, which Ducey and Hoffman said will help schools close the achievement gap. Eligibility for this program takes into account schools’ AZMerit scores, percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-priced meals, access to computers and Internet. Additional dollars prioritized for schools most impacted. 

“Throughout our state, school leaders, educators and families have stepped up to overcome exceptionally challenging circumstances and deliver for our students," Ducey said. "These dollars will boost those efforts, funding proven acceleration strategies to keep kids academically on-track."

The grants will be administered by the state’s education department, which will develop reporting and progress measures for grant recipients. Schools can use this money to pay for things such as:

• Training teachers in best practices for math and literacy instruction;
• Teacher stipends for additional student tutoring sessions;
• Contracting with qualified math or reading specialists to do one-on-one or small group work with students;
• Operating summer math or reading intensive programs for students in need.

"From teacher stipends to additional curriculum and much more, the Acceleration Academies Grant program will help our schools most in need," Hoffman said. "I’m grateful to Arizona’s educators for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices these last several months, and to Governor Ducey for prioritizing our students.”