Description
The New Jersey Department of Education is offering a FY 2026 continuation grant to public Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that received the original FOCUS‑1 funding. The grant supports the selection, purchase, and district‑wide implementation of a state‑aligned universal literacy screener for kindergarten through third grade, along with professional development and data‑driven decision‑making. Funding is allocated at $8 per K‑3 student, with a total pool of $1,862,800 covering up to 277 awards. Recipients must submit a single electronic application via the EWEG system by April 30 2026, attend optional technical‑assistance webinars, and submit monthly reimbursement requests and a final report by July 31 2027.
• Eligible applicants: All public K‑3 LEAs in New Jersey that received the original FOCUS‑1 award.
• Scope of work: Purchase screener kits, provide training/coaching, collect and analyze screening data, and report outcomes.
• Funding mechanism: Reimbursement‑only; per‑student allocation of $8 (maximum award varies by enrollment).
• Key dates: Application due 04/30/2026 (4 PM); grant period 06/01/2026 – 05/31/2027; final report due 07/31/2027.
• Required systems: EWEG portal, active SAM/UEI, and compliance with NJDOE reporting guidelines.