Bill > HR3605

This bill establishes the Strength in Diversity Program, which aims to support strategies that address racial and socioeconomic isolation in public schools by providing competitive grants to eligible educational agencies. The bill allows the Secretary of Education to reserve up to 5% of funds for national research and best practices activities and up to 10% for state planning and implementation grants. Eligible entities can receive planning grants (for up to 2 years) or implementation grants (for up to 3 years) to develop and execute strategies that increase diversity in schools, such as redesigning school boundaries, creating transportation plans, developing innovative enrollment processes, and recruiting diverse teachers. Grant applicants must demonstrate community engagement, provide detailed plans for improving student outcomes, and show how they will measure progress in areas like academic achievement, graduation rates, and reducing racial and socioeconomic isolation. Recipients must submit annual reports tracking their efforts and progress, with performance measures including improvements in student achievement, school readiness, mental health access, and reduction in school discipline rates. The bill emphasizes voluntary, locally-driven approaches to increasing school diversity and explicitly prohibits federal control over school curriculum or administration. Funding is authorized for fiscal year 2025 and the subsequent five years, with a focus on supporting educational agencies experiencing significant achievement gaps and segregation.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3605/all-info