Formula fundingESSA
Title III
English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement and Academic Achievement
Helps English learners and immigrant students attain English proficiency and meet state academic standards.
Official source checked Oct 15, 2026
How to access it: Teachers do not apply to the U.S. Department of Education. Ask your district's federal programs office how the district plans to use these funds and how to propose an activity.
- Federal agency
- U.S. Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA)
- State / local administration
- State education agency subgrants to districts (or consortia) by formula.
- Intended beneficiaries
- English learners and immigrant children and youth.
- Eligible applicants
- School districts, alone or in consortia, via the state.
- Funding mechanism
- Formula funding — Allocated through established federal and state formulas — districts receive it automatically when eligible; no open competition.
- Automatic or competitive
- Formula subgrants to districts that meet a minimum allocation, alone or in a consortium.
- Application process
- Contact your district's English learner or federal programs office.
- Current status
- Ongoing formula programme
- Funding year
- Federal fiscal year 2026 funds, used mainly in school year 2026–27. Allocation amounts are set each year — confirm yours with your state agency or district.
What this funding could pay for
Potential uses only. Whether a cost is allowable depends on current federal rules, your state's requirements and your district's plan. Confirm with your district or state before spending.
English Language Learning
Supplemental language instruction programmes for English learners.
Teacher Professional Development
Professional development for teachers of English learners.
Family and Community Engagement
Family and community engagement for English learner families.