States received $189.5 billion in relief for schools. Here's the breakdown.

School closures and online learning during the pandemic have led to many students falling behind in their schoolwork. To help K-12 schools, states received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants totaling $189.5 billion. The states are distributing the funding as part of the Education Stabilization Fund to public, private, and charter schools to address students needs.

Schools can use the funds for a range of activities, including:

• Summer school classes
• Extended school day or school year programs
• Laptops and other electronic devices, and educational software
• Mental health services and support, and
• Improvements to indoor air quality

ESSER funding by legislation

• $13.2 billion, from the CARES Act, March 2020.
  • States have until September 30, 2022, to spend the money
  • States have until September 30, 2023, to spend the money
  • A total of $80 billion was made available to states immediately. To receive the rest of the funding, each state had to submit a spending plan
  • States have until September 30, 2024, to spend the money