Know the Steps and Deadlines
Money is still available from the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds to use at your school for music education needs. As of today, there are still billions of dollars left in several funds.
Wenger Corporation has been working with school administrators and music teachers to help them determine ways to elevate their music education programs by using these valuable funds. Here is one school’s story.
Cleve A. Maloon
K-12 Arts Education Program Planner
School District of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Florida
Purchase: Instruments, choral risers, chairs/stands, instrument supplies, and sheet music
Why: We aim to create access to quality and equitable instrumental music education for all students in the school district of Palm Beach County, and purchases are made for the long-term sustainability of the music program.
How we received the funds: The federal grant funds came through the Florida Department of Education to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s students.
“Playing a musical instrument has proven to improve a student’s academic success and social-emotional well-being,” Maloon says. “The District used its ESSER dollars on a wide range of initiatives intended to mitigate learning losses exacerbated by the pandemic. One of those important initiatives is increasing access to musical instruments. Research shows that music increases language skills, aids literacy, and strengthens memory and attention.”
Learn how to apply for federal funds at www.wengercorp.com/esser.
