Dawkins announces $166,027 in grants to help local schools during COVID-19 pandemic

Ahead of the upcoming school year, state Rep. Jason Dawkins announced today $166,027 in grants are going to help local schools improve educational services for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to Dawkins, these state resources are part of the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Funds aimed at assisting schools and other educational agencies that are designated for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Funding is being provided to the following schools: 

  • Warren G. Harding Middle School: $88,811.
  • James J. Sullivan Elementary School: $77,216.

"During this public health crisis, safety must be the top priority," said Dawkins, D-Phila. "This funding will help our schools who need it most adapt to the challenges created by the coronavirus and allow quality learning to continue while putting the health and well-being of students and teachers first."


The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of GEER Funds.

Under ESSA, states develop plans to designate schools for support based on student groups in key areas, including academic achievement, graduation rate and regular attendance. Student groups include race, economically disadvantaged, English language learners and students with disabilities.

Grants were calculated based on elements of the federal Title I, Part A formula, which includes school enrollment data like the number of economically disadvantaged students.

More information about the grants is available here.