Department of Education pauses $40M worth of grants, impacting Utah schools

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Some of Utah’s most vulnerable students could soon feel the effects of a sudden federal funding freeze, with more than $40 million in aid now on hold.

The U.S. Department of Education paused six grant programs as of July 1, affecting support for migrant students, English learners, after-school services, adult education and teacher training. The halt came without warning, and school districts across the state are now working to understand what comes next.

A letter sent from the White House to the Utah State Board of Education last week said the funding pause is intended to “ensure taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities.” Until a full review is complete, no new grant awards will be issued. That review has no set timeline or guarantees.

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Programs currently on hold include:

  • Title I, Part C (Migrant Education Program)
  • Title II, Part A (Supporting Effective Instruction)
  • Title III, Part A (English Language Acquisition)
  • Title IV, Part A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment)
  • Title IV, Part B (21st Century Community Learning Centers)
  • Adult Education and Family Literacy Act

The State Board notified districts that it’s working with federal officials for clarification. So far, local education leaders have been told no immediate action is required, but that guidance could change…

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