Investments in Student Recovery: 5 Facts about Rural School Districts' Pandemic Relief Spending on Afterschool and Summer Programs

Abstract

Youth in rural communities have much to gain from afterschool and summer programs by receiving support for their well-being and academic growth they may not have otherwise. American Rescue Plan (ARP) has provided $122 billion in federal pandemic relief for schools and their efforts to address students' learning recovery. A lifeline for schools, this funding has allowed for critical investments, including the expansion of afterschool and summer learning opportunities. This brief answers the following question: Given the opportunity ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds presented, how have rural districts invested in afterschool and summer programming for students? Five key findings are described based on a review of 1,993 rural school district plans.