How ESSER III Funding is Supporting Nebraska Students Through Expanded Learning Opportunities

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Nebraska Children — Leave a comment

^{Photo Courtesy of Mitchell Tiger Club Afterschool Program}

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to education, with students across the country experiencing disruptions that have left many grappling with unfinished learning. To address these challenges, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 established the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) III, a federal initiative aimed at helping schools safely return to in-person instruction and bridge the gaps created by COVID-related learning loss. Through this program, critical federal funding has been allocated to support state and local education agencies to restore and strengthen education for all students.

In Nebraska, ESSER III funding has been a game changer, enabling school districts to prioritize safe school operations and implement evidence-based programs designed to enhance student learning outcomes. Recognizing the crucial role that Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOs) play in this process, the Nebraska State Board took a significant step in May 2021 by approving the creation of the ESSER Collaborative ELO grant. This initiative, developed in partnership with Beyond School Bells (BSB)—Nebraska’s statewide network for afterschool and summer learning—ensures that ESSER III funds are effectively utilized to support meaningful summer and afterschool learning programs.

Administered by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) with support from Nebraska Children and Families Foundation through BSB, the ESSER Collaborative ELO oversees the distribution and management of approximately $11 million allocated for these programs. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to providing students with enriching educational experiences beyond the regular school day, experiences that are vital for their academic success and overall development.

Beyond School Bells: Expanding Opportunities for Nebraska’s Youth

Beyond School Bells, an initiative of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, is at the forefront of this effort. Driven by a mission to create positive change for Nebraska’s children, BSB focuses on providing K-12 students with high-quality ELOs that promote hands-on, engaged learning. Research consistently shows that participation in high-quality ELOs can improve attendance, lead to better behavior during the school day, and enhance academic performance. These programs offer crucial academic support for low-income students, while for high-performing students, they provide opportunities to further deepen their understanding and remain engaged.

The partnership between BSB and NDE to administer ESSER III funding, underscores the importance of these programs in addressing immediate educational needs and in ensuring long-term resilience and economic vitality for Nebraska. By investing in ELOs, the state builds a stronger foundation for its future, equipping students with the skills and experiences they need as our state’s future workforce.

How Expanding Learning Opportunities Help Families

According to the America After 3PM Health and Wellness Report (2020), parents view afterschool and summer programs as helping to reduce risky behaviors or unproductive screen time by keeping kids engaged during times when they are at work. Parents also agree that afterschool programs provide working parents peace of mind that their children are safe and supervised.

Examples of ESSER III Funding in Action

Here are three stories of how Nebraska communities are leveraging ESSER III funding to provide impactful ELOs:

These examples highlight the diverse ways Nebraska communities use ESSER III funds to create positive, lasting impacts for students. By supporting and expanding these vital programs, Nebraska is addressing the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic and laying the groundwork for a brighter, more equitable future for all its children.

About Beyond School Bells (BSB)

Beyond School Bells is a statewide public-private partnership that supports sustainable, high-quality, school-community collaborations that provide youth with what they need to be successful in school and in life. These collaborations offer kids access to areas of learning they may never experience, including hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities. Through the process, participants exhibit increased school attendance, positive behavior and improved academic performance. Visit the Beyond School Bells website.