What Can Esser Funds Be Spent on

Esser funds are federal grants allocated to states and local educational agencies to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. These funds can be used for a range of activities, including providing mental health services, purchasing educational technology, hiring additional staff, and improving ventilation systems in schools. The goal of Esser funds is to help schools safely reopen and provide students with the resources they need to succeed academically and emotionally.

Expanding Access to Technology

Improving access to technology is crucial for equitable learning opportunities. ESSER funds can be utilized to:

• Purchase devices, such as laptops or tablets, for students in need.
• Provide internet connectivity to students who lack access at home.
• Establish mobile hotspots to extend internet coverage.
• Equip classrooms with projectors, interactive whiteboards, and other technology tools.
• Develop virtual and online learning platforms to expand educational options.

Technology Equipment and Services

Equipment/Service	Use
Laptops/tablets	Student devices for accessing learning materials, completing assignments, and connecting with teachers and classmates.
Internet connectivity	Provides students with reliable internet access at home and school.
Projectors	Displays presentations and learning materials in classrooms.
Interactive whiteboards	Interactive surface for collaborative learning activities, presentations, and discussions.
Virtual/online learning platforms	Offers online courses, materials, and assessments, expanding educational options and providing flexibility.

Addressing Learning Loss

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided billions of dollars in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 education in the United States. One of the primary goals of these funds is to address learning loss that students have experienced during the pandemic.

School districts have a wide range of options for using ESSER funds to address learning loss, including:

• Providing additional instructional support, such as tutoring, after-school programs, and summer school
• Purchasing new instructional materials, technology, and equipment
• Developing and implementing new curricula and instructional strategies
• Providing professional development for teachers on best practices for addressing learning loss
• Implementing social-emotional learning programs to support students’ mental health and well-being

The table below provides a summary of allowable uses of ESSER funds under the ARPA:

Category	Allowable Uses
Improving Educational Services	Addressing learning loss Providing additional instructional support Purchasing new instructional materials and technology
Expanding Student Access	Providing transportation to and from school Offering extended school day and year programs Providing wraparound services, such as after-school programs and summer camps
Supporting Educator Effectiveness	Providing professional development for teachers Creating mentorship programs for new teachers Implementing teacher evaluation and support systems
Ensuring Safe and Clean Schools	Improving ventilation systems Adding handwashing stations Implementing new cleaning and disinfection protocols
Addressing Student Mental Health	Providing mental health counseling and support services Training staff on mental health awareness and prevention Creating a positive and supportive school climate

School districts are required to submit a plan to their state educational agency (SEA) describing how they will use ESSER funds to address learning loss. The SEA will review and approve the plan before the district can begin spending funds.

Supporting Mental Health and Wellness

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ mental health has been substantial, with increases in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. ESSER funds can be used to address these concerns by providing support services, training staff, and implementing programs.

Here are specific ways that ESSER funds can be used to support mental health and wellness:

• Providing mental health screenings and assessments
• Hiring additional school counselors, social workers, and psychologists
• Implementing evidence-based mental health programs
• Training staff on mental health first aid and suicide prevention
• Creating safe and supportive school environments
• Partnering with community mental health providers

The following table provides a summary of how ESSER funds can be used to support mental health and wellness:

Activity	Eligible Costs
Mental health screenings and assessments	Supplies, equipment, personnel, and training
Hiring additional school counselors, social workers, and psychologists	Salaries, benefits, and professional development
Implementing evidence-based mental health programs	Curriculum, materials, training, and program evaluation
Training staff on mental health first aid and suicide prevention	Training materials, supplies, and stipends
Creating safe and supportive school environments	Building renovations, furniture, and equipment
Partnering with community mental health providers	Contracts for services, supplies, and equipment

Hiring and Professional Development

Esser funds can be used to support the hiring and professional development of educators and staff. This can include:

• Hiring additional teachers and support staff
• Providing professional development for current educators and staff
• Developing and implementing new programs and services
• Purchasing equipment and supplies to support instruction

The following table provides a summary of how Esser funds can be used for hiring and professional development:

Activity	Eligible Expenses
Hiring additional teachers and support staff	Salaries and benefits for new hires Recruitment and advertising costs Training and development costs
Providing professional development for current educators and staff	Tuition and fees for courses and workshops Travel and lodging expenses for professional development activities Materials and supplies for professional development
Developing and implementing new programs and services	Costs associated with developing and implementing new programs and services Salaries and benefits for staff who develop and implement new programs and services Equipment and supplies needed to support new programs and services
Purchasing equipment and supplies to support instruction	Computers and other technology Furniture and equipment Instructional materials

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