AOS 94 receives grant to support homeless students following pandemic

DEXTER — The Maine Department of Education is happy to announce that the McKinney-Vento Subgrants: COVID-19 Emergency Mini Grants have been selected. Twenty-four districts applied for the funds for the 2020-21 academic year and all 24 requests are conditionally awarded, including the Dexter-based AOS 94. In a statement the department thanked each district for a thoughtful dedication to identifying and serving students experiencing homelessness in their communities.

The mini-grants are to be specifically dedicated to supporting the needs of students experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maine school administrative units could submit one application for multiple schools for the mini-grants with a $5,000 cap per school. Resources and services can be delivered at sites other than at the district schools and can be provided by subcontractors. Proposals were sought to develop, implement or expand programs that improve the success of students identified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act.

The grant may be renewable for up to three years. The department will be contacting the grant recipients soon to negotiate a contract.