On March 5, 2021, the Governor signed AB 86. This statute, amongst other provisions, provides funding to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) to implement learning recovery programs.

To be eligible for funding, LEAs must implement a learning recovery program, that at a minimum, provides supplemental instruction, support for social and emotional well-being and; to the maximum extent permissible under the guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture, meals and snacks to specified student groups (as defined in California Education Code Section 43522) who have faced adverse learning and social emotional circumstances.

Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Grants shall be expended only for any of the following purposes: extending instructional learning time, accelerating progress to close learning gaps, integrated pupil supports; community learning hubs, supports for credit deficient pupils, additional academic services, and training for school staff. The LEAs are encouraged to engage, plan, and collaborate on program operation with community partners and expanded learning programs; and leverage existing behavioral health partnerships and Medi-Cal billing options, in the design and implementation of services.

LEA Template for the Plan (DOCX; Added 25-Mar-2021)

The ELO Grant Plan must be completed by LEAs as a condition for receiving an ELO Grant. The ELO Grant Plan must be adopted by the local governing board or body of the LEA at a public meeting on or before June 1, 2021, and must be submitted to the county office of education, the California Department of Education (CDE), or the chartering authority within five days of adoption, as applicable.

The Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) of the CDE will be responding to questions regarding the ELO Grant. Questions regarding this grant may be submitted to the ELO grant mailbox at: ELOGrants@cde.ca.gov. The EXLD is unable to respond to questions via phone. Questions may be submitted through the ELOGrants@cde.ca.gov mailbox. A member of the ELO grants team will respond to your question within 2–3 business days.