U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance on Federal Funds to Support Afghan and Other Newcomer Students

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) to Chief State School Officers detailing information about federal funds and resources available to support Afghan children and their families, who have recently arrived or may be arriving soon to states and school districts across the country. As part of Operation Allies Welcome, a unified approach led by the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate federal government efforts to support vulnerable Afghans, the Department recognizes the immediate and urgent need to provide high-quality, culturally responsive education to Afghan newcomers—inclusive of primary, secondary, and English language learning as well as social-emotional learning.

Recognizing that all children in the United States have an equal right to enroll and participate in public elementary and secondary schools, this DCL explains several sources of federal funding available to state educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs).  Although the letter is specific to Afghan children and their families, the information applies to children and families arriving from other countries as well. In addition, the DCL includes a short summary of how funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act can be used by states, LEAs, and schools to support recently arrived students.

A Keeping the Promise website has been launched.

Read the DCL (PDF)
Read the 01/14/2022 Press Release

Last modified on February 28, 2022