Act Now: Unlocking the Power of ESSER III Funds Before It's Too Late!

In light of the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions, there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III funds are still available to be used until September 30, 2024, offering a lifeline to schools and districts across the nation. These funds, provided by the federal government, aim to support educational communities in recovering from the impact of the global pandemic and facilitating safe and effective learning environments.

But, have you used them yet?

According to an EdWeek Research Center Survey , nearly 80% of district and school leaders say they’ve spent three-quarters or more of their funds. Are you part of that 80%?

If not let us guide you through what ESSER III Funds are and what you can do with these funds before it is too late.

ESSER III funds are part of the larger COVID-19 relief packages and were established under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) of 2021. With an allocation of $122 billion, these funds are exclusively designated for educational purposes. Their primary aim is to help address significant learning loss, enhance student engagement, provide essential resources, and support the overall well-being of students and educators.

Educational communities have significant flexibility in utilizing ESSER III funds to meet the unique needs of their students and staff. Here are some key areas where these funds can make a transformative impact:

1. Learning Recovery Programs: ESSER III funds can be used to implement evidence-based interventions, tutoring programs, summer enrichment initiatives, and other strategies to address learning gaps resulting from disrupted in-person instruction during the pandemic.
2. Technology Infrastructure: Enhancing technology infrastructure, expanding internet connectivity, and providing devices to students who lack access to remote learning resources are crucial steps towards achieving equitable educational opportunities.
3. Mental Health and Well-being: A significant portion of ESSER III funds can be dedicated to social-emotional support programs, counseling services, staff training, and well-being initiatives that foster a positive and supportive learning environment.
4. Safety and Health Measures: With the ongoing concern for student and staff well-being, ESSER III funds can be utilized to implement necessary safety measures such as improved ventilation systems, sanitization protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and vaccination campaigns.

1. Expanding the K-12 STEM and Robotics Programs

These programs offer numerous benefits that contribute to the holistic development of students and prepare them for the demands of the future.

STEM and Robotics programs foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Engaging students in hands-on activities, such as building and programming robots, challenges students to analyze problems, think creatively, and develop innovative solutions. These skills are invaluable for success in various fields and professions, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Expanding K-12 STEM and Robotics programs in schools is essential for nurturing critical thinking skills, promoting interdisciplinary learning, developing teamwork abilities, bridging gender gaps, and meeting the demands of the evolving job market. These programs empower students with the tools they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.

2. Expanding Vocational and Career Training Programs with Technology

By investing in Virtual Reality and Simulation equipment, schools can create a robust vocational and career training program that will help a broader group of students with more hands-on experience that cannot be taught in traditional classrooms. According to Spaces4Learning, Simulated and VR education promises to reduce equipment and ongoing operational costs associated with trades education, while simultaneously delivering improved learner outcomes when compared to traditional approaches.

Simulations serve as the best way to prep students for fieldwork. Students who experience VR and simulation training are better equipped and more confident when they encounter real job sites. Their performance on the job tends to be more reliable, accurate, and faster than that of students who have only experienced traditional training environments. Simulations won’t replace real-world hands-on training and shouldn’t be expected to. But virtual training and simulations are proven to be essential components of a well-rounded skills learning experience and can help classrooms maximize the effectiveness of classroom and lab training.

3. Modernizing Learning Spaces by Creating Flexible Learning Spaces with New Furniture

When it comes to education, it is important that educators have the flexibility to create educational learning spaces that are engaging for all different types of students that they will have. To achieve this ESSER III funds can be used to purchase new furniture that has multiple functions and can be reconfigured into limitless different set-ups that are accommodating to all types of learners. New desks and chairs, variable-height tables, utility carts, podium carts and other furniture upgrades can help schools design flexible classrooms and learning spaces that support interaction and collaboration. This upgraded furniture can also keep students engaged in learning, supporting schools’ reopening and student engagement initiatives. If you are in need of more multi-purposes spaces, this might be the time to invest!

4. Investing in Esport Furniture

Esports, also known as competitive video gaming, has risen in popularity immensely in schools with many even using Esports as a form of mental health and social emotional well-being. Schools can support emerging Esports clubs and teams by investing ESSER funds in gaming computers, highly responsive gaming mice and keyboards, quality headsets and specialized gaming furniture. With more than 8,600 schools investing in Esport , using ESSER III Funds would be a great way to introduce Esports or expand the school’s Esport program in your school.

While the ESSER III funds provide a significant boost to educational communities, it's crucial to note that action must be taken swiftly. The deadline for utilizing these funds is September 30, 2024 . It's essential for schools and districts to create comprehensive plans for how they will invest and allocate these funds to maximize their impact on student learning and well-being.

With the clock ticking, let's seize the moment and unlock the potential of ESSER III funds to drive meaningful changes in our educational communities. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future and ensure that no student is left behind.

Curious to see how 3 Oaks Resource Group can help you use your ESSER III funds? Contact us at 855-3OAKSGP (855-362-5747) or send us an email at mail@3oaksgroup.com to learn more about what we can do to maximize your funds to their fullest potential!

Sources:

https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/most-district-leaders-say-theyre-almost-done-spending-esser-funds/2023/04

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/10/24/covid-spending-schools-students-achievement/

https://www.isbe.net/Pages/ESSER-Funding.aspx

https://www.firstinspires.org/stories/bringing-stem-engagement-disadvantaged-youth

https://spaces4learning.com/articles/2023/07/26/modernizing-vocational-education-with-technology.aspx?s=s4let_260723&admgarea=s4let&oly_enc_id=4113H8595989A0I

https://www.inc.com/kevin-j-ryan/playvs-high-school-college-esports-growth-update.html