The Department of Public Instruction has released rules and guidelines on many of the new programs funded in the 2017-2019 State Budget (Act 59). The following is a quick summary of the programs that include participation for private schools and students:
Early College Credit Program:
This program will begin in June 2018, and will reimburse private schools for the cost of students that participate in the Early College Credit Program (ECCP). This replaces the Youth Options programs. A major change is the elimination of Technical Colleges as an “institution of higher education.” See statute 118.55 .
Currently the DPI is working on the rules for applying and receiving funds for ECCP. The anticipated timeline is September 2018 for temporary rules to be created. More information about the program can be found here and FAQ guide can be found here.
Personal Electronic Computing Device Grants:
Under this matching grant, schools will receive $125 for each 9th grade student for the purchasing of supportive electronic equipment or software, if they provide matching funds. All private schools are eligible to participate in the program.
The DPI is still processing the necessary information for the grant. The DPI has infromation here.
Robotics League Participation Grants:
This grant focuses on allowing students to participate in robotics competitions. Building kits, travel expenses, and mentor stipends are allowable under this grant. Private schools with students in grades 6 -12 that participate in robotics as a team, with a mentor, are eligible for the grant. A detailed description of the program can be found in statute 115.45 .
The DPI is in the process of finalizing the details for the 2018-2019 application. Information and updates can be found here.
Aid for School Mental Health Programs:
The School Mental Health Program will provide reimbursement for social workers who provide student mental health services in schools. This program is only available to private schools participating in a Wisconisn Parental Choice Program.
There is no application process because the grant is not a competitive program. DPI anticipates the grants will be available in August 2018. More information about the program can be found here.
School Performance Improvement Grants
This new program is designed to help low-performing schools improve student outcomes. Only private schools in a Wisconsin Choice Program are eligible. Further, Choice schools must be within the geographic boundaries of a public school district of a First Class City (Milwaukee), or, fall within the geographic boundaries of a public school district placed in the lowest performance category on the accountability report in the previous school year.
The DPI is developing an application process with a goal to make grants available in June 2019. If you have questions about the School Performance Improvement Grant program, contact Jonas Zuckerman, who is leading up the project at the DPI.
Watch for future Current Events for updates on these grants.
