As the deadline to use ESSER funding draws closer, it’s important that school districts explore other funding sources to sustain and improve services. For school districts looking to foster a more inclusive and equitable STEM education landscape, ensuring that all students have access to the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world is crucial. Federal funds like ESSER and Title IV are a lifeline for STEM Education, enabling districts to purchase educational technology resources like Marty the Robot and bridge the digital divide.
![Title IV-A Marty in the encouraging engagement in CS education.](https://b2271876.smushcdn.com/2271876/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CGA08814-800x450.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
ESSER Funding: What Is It and How to Use It Before It Expires?
ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding was created to help K-12 schools respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s allocated to states based on the Title I formula, which considers the number of low-income students. Schools can use these funds for various purposes, including purchasing educational technology to support remote learning and address learning loss. The funds are available until September 30, 2024.
Educational technology, like Marty the Robot, purchased with ESSER funds offers significant benefits. It improves digital literacy, and facilitates more interactive and engaging STEM educational experiences. Marty supports diverse learning needs and helps bridge gaps caused by the pandemic, ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have access to high-quality education and resources to prepare them for a digital future.
![Promoting collaborative work with Marty the Robot Promoting collaborative work with Marty the Robot](https://b2271876.smushcdn.com/2271876/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CGA09149-800x450.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Title IV-A Funding: What Is It and How to Use It?
Title IV-A funding is designed to enhance student support and academic enrichment. This federal funding aims to improve students’ academic achievement by focusing on three main areas: providing a well-rounded education, supporting safe and healthy students, and enhancing the use of technology. Schools and districts can use Title IV-A funds to expand academic programs, improve school safety, and integrate technology into the classroom.
Title IV-A funds are allocated based on a formula that considers the number of low-income students in each district. These funds can be used for a wide range of activities, including professional development for teachers, purchasing educational technology, and creating programs to support students’ mental health and well-being. By addressing these critical areas, Title IV-A helps schools offer a more comprehensive and equitable educational experience.
Title IV-A Priorities
Title IV-A outlines three priority content areas in its statute:
- Well-Rounded Education
- Safe and Healthy Schools
- Effective Use of Technology
![Effective Use of Technology Effective Use of Technology](https://b2271876.smushcdn.com/2271876/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CGA08795-800x450.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
By incorporating Marty the Robot into the curriculum, school districts can promote a well-rounded education by encouraging engagement in computer science and STEM education, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Marty contributes to safe and healthy schools by engaging students in collaborative, project-based learning, which can improve school conditions and student well-being. Additionally, Marty enhances the effective use of technology by providing students with an accessible introduction to coding, robotics, and AI Machine Learning, helping them develop essential digital literacy skills.
We offer free, two-week trials with Marty the Robot. We’ll even cover shipping & collection costs and provide virtual training for teachers.
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