TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A $1,000 one-time educational materials stipend for eligible Kansas students has been made available in response to learning deficits due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday, Jan. 31, that as students continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has created the Kansas Education Enrichment Program. She said the program will provide those who qualify with a one-time $1,000 per child award for educational goods and services such as tutoring and school supplies.
Governor Kelly has indicated that KEEP will open for applications on February 22. He said Kansas businesses that provide educational materials or services have also been encouraged to join the KEEP Marketplace.
“With KEEP, we are enabling Kansas students to access the resources and support they need to improve in the classroom. I can’t wait for families to access these funds soon,” Kelly said. “In the meantime, I’m calling on all Kansas businesses that provide educational services to join the KEEP Marketplace and help our students reach their peak. potential”.
Kelly noted that students living in homes with incomes below 185 percent of federal poverty guidelines will be eligible for KEEP funds. She said the funds will be available for use in enrichment and educational activities that include:
- The purchase of curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain permitted technological devices
- Fields with academic curricula such as music, art, science, technology, agriculture, math, and engineering
- Tutoring
- Language courses
- Musical instruments and lessons
The Governor said the funds will not be eligible for private tuition.
Kelly indicated that parents and guardians will be able to choose educational and enrichment activities from approved service providers through the KEEP Marketplace or request that a service provider be approved and added to the statewide directory.
For more information on how businesses become Qualified Education Service Providers, click HERE.
For more information on the program, click HERE.
