July 30, 2025 – Superintendents

Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Click here for the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard.

Update on Previously Unawarded Federal Funds

Yesterday, the State Board of Education voted to distribute $48,236,712 in Title IV, Part B funds to 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) subgrantees. At Superintendent Woods’ recommendation, GaDOE is using carryover funds to hold the amount steady for subgrantees despite a decrease in federal funding.

The U.S. Department of Education has announced it will release funding for all previously unawarded federal grants, including Title I Part C, Title II Part A, Title III Part A, and Title IV Part A.

As Grant Award Notifications for these funding streams are received, the State Board of Education will hold additional called meetings as necessary to distribute the funds to districts as quickly and efficiently as possible.

U.S. Senate Youth Program Application Window Opening Soon

The 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program application window will open from August 11 to September 30. High school juniors or seniors may apply, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined by the U.S. Senate Youth Program. The application, program criteria, and informational brochures are all available via the webpage linked below.

Georgia RISE Award Nomination Window Opening Soon

The 2025 Georgia Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award nomination window is open August 11 through September 30. District superintendents and principals may nominate a full- or part-time classified school employee who provides exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school.

Full- or part-time classified employees in the following job categories are eligible for consideration:

  • Clerical and Administrative Services
  • Custodial and Maintenance Services
  • Food and Nutrition Services
  • Health and Student Services
  • Paraprofessional
  • Security Services
  • Skilled Trades
  • Technical Services
  • Transportation Services

Top State for Talent Grant: High Demand Career Equipment Now Open

The Top State for Talent Grant: High Demand Career Equipment is intended to support the implementation or enhancement of a CTAE program in the delivery of a High Demand Career Pathway. Funding amounts are correlated to the CRE-modified lab designated amounts. Georgia LEAs meeting specific eligibility requirements are eligible to apply.

Intent to Apply Open for EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant

GaDOE plans to apply for a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Grant to support communities impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The application will include five to seven eligible LEAs from counties with FEMA-declared disasters, requesting a total of $2 to $3 million. Each LEA may request up to $400,000 for up to two Career Pathways aligned with Georgia’s High Demand Career List. This is an 80%-20% matching grant, and LEA matching funds must be readily available. Submitting an Intent to Apply is non-binding, and selected LEAs will be invited to complete a formal application if GaDOE is awarded the grant.