We have received many questions about EANS and federal funds in general as a result of COVID-related relief packages.  So much has been done in so many versions over so many months, it is hard to keep track of it all.

EANS money is available now to states as part of the previous recovery act.  A second round of funding (EANS 2) is available with details and applications coming soon as part of the latest COVID-related recovery act, the American Recovery Plan (ARP) signed into law recently by President Biden.  We’ll try to keep the following list updated.

Here are the latest links and resources to help navigate the maze:

US Department of Education
Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS)
EANS Awards
EANS FAQ (March 19, 2021)
Iowa EANS Award Certification and Agreement
American Rescue Plan (ARP) – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief

Iowa Department of Education
Iowa DE EANS Guidance
EANS Application Information (March 31 deadline!)
Spreadsheet with School-Level Allocations

Other Resources
CAPE Summary of original EANS
National Catholic Education Association Guide to EANS
(Member schools may contact us for links to other Iowa-specific guidance and resources)

Second Round of EANS (EANS 2)
We’ll add content to this post or post a new one with more information as it becomes available. The best short summary we have seen is from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
“A second amount of $2.75 billion is available through September 30, 2023, for making allocations to Governors under the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools Program to provide services or assistance to non-public schools that enroll a significant percentage of low-income students and are most impacted by the qualifying emergency. There is a new limitation that funds shall not be used to provide reimbursements to any non-public school. Many of the program specifics are not mentioned in the new language, so guidance is necessary from USDE to confirm how much of the EANS I policy will carryover such as allocations, eligible services, and impact of PPP participation.”

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
As part of the ARP, additional funding may be available for schools receiving equitable services under the IDEA. The ARP provides 2.5 billion in additional funding to states under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for fiscal year 2021. If we receive more details, we’ll post them here.

E-Rate Changes
The ARP provides $7 billion in new funding to address the “homework gap” through E-rate. This fund comes with new services not previously available through E-Rate and funds are available to support not only schools, but also students and staff. All schools are eligible for a 100% discount, rather than the usual tiered discount in E-Rate. Eligible services to address the “homework gap” include Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, devices that combine modems and routers, connected devices (“laptop computer, tablet computer, or similar end-user device that is capable of connecting to advanced telecommunications and information services”), advanced telecommunications and information services. Funds can be used during the COVID Emergency Period and end on the first June 30 that occurs after the date that is one year after the date of the conclusion of the COVID Emergency Period. Funds remain available until September 30, 2030. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will announce the application process in the near future.

Other Articles and Resources
Schumer and a Teachers’ Union Leader Secure Billions for Private Schools – New York Times