Title V, Part B (REAP)
Rural Education Achievement Program
Helps rural districts that often lack the staff and resources to compete for federal grants. It has two parts: the Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program and the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program.
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 Elementary and Secondary Education
- State / local administration
- RLIS is awarded to states, which subgrant to eligible districts; SRSA goes directly to eligible districts.
- Intended beneficiaries
- Students in rural districts.
- Eligible applicants
- Eligible rural school districts (eligibility is determined each year).
- Funding mechanism
- Formula funding — Allocated through established federal and state formulas — districts receive it automatically when eligible; no open competition.
- Automatic or competitive
- Formula awards to districts that meet the rural (and, for RLIS, low-income) eligibility criteria.
- Application process
- Your district's eligibility is listed annually; SRSA districts apply to the Department, RLIS districts through their state.
- 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.
Activities allowed under several other ESEA titles, in rural districts.
Teacher professional development and recruitment.
Educational technology.