Washington D.C. –– On behalf of the undersigned members of the Title IV-A Coalition, we offer the following response in reaction to the $60 million increase in the FY22 Omnibus for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program, authorized under Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA):

“The Title IV-A Coalition, a strong alliance of national organizations advocating for federal investments in safe and healthy students, a well-rounded education, and the effective use of technology, is grateful for the $60 million increase over FY21 for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment block grant program under Title IV-A of ESSA, bringing the total to $1.28 billion.

Over the years, this flexible funding stream has allowed states and districts to invest in a multitude of evidence-based programs that offer the support students need to succeed and thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

In these trying times, it is heartening to see Congress commit, in a bipartisan manner, to the well-being of children, our educators, and the education system as a whole by continuing to increase funding for the Title IV-A block grant. It is assuring Congress understands the importance of strong federal investments in these areas, giving districts the flexibility to continue building on their successes, lessons learned and expand access to critical programs that enrich and support the whole child.