Strength in Diversity Act (S. 4535)

Summary

Creates a grant program for schools to develop and use plans that increase racial and economic diversity and reduce segregation.

What problem does this solve?

Many schools are separated by race and income, which can hurt student learning and create achievement gaps. This bill provides money through grants for schools to create and carry out plans to make them more diverse and inclusive.

What does this bill do?

Establishes the Strength in Diversity grant program

Creates a program where the Secretary of Education can award grants to school districts and state agencies to develop and implement plans that improve diversity and reduce racial or economic isolation.

Creates two types of grants for schools

Authorizes both planning grants for developing diversity strategies and implementation grants for carrying out those strategies.

Sets priorities for grant awards

Gives priority to applicants that address racial isolation, create regional programs, coordinate with housing agencies, or previously applied for a similar 2016 federal program.

Defines uses for planning grants

Allows planning grant funds to be used for assessing segregation, community engagement, developing diversity options like redrawing school boundaries, and creating implementation plans.

Defines uses for implementation grants

Allows implementation grant funds to be used for hiring staff, creating special academic programs, funding transportation, and developing equitable school assignment plans.

Requires performance tracking

Directs the Secretary of Education to create measures to track how well the grants improve student academic outcomes and increase diversity in schools.

Authorizes funding for six years

Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out the act for fiscal year 2027 and the five following years.

Prohibits federal control over education

States that no part of the act can be used to give the federal government control over a school's curriculum, instruction, administration, or staff.

Who does this affect?

Public school students
Local and state education agencies
Parents and community members

What is the real world impact?

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Promotes school integration

Provides federal funds to help local school districts voluntarily develop and implement strategies to make schools more racially and economically diverse, which can improve learning for all students.

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Supports previously interested school districts

Gives priority for grants to school districts that applied for a similar program in 2016, rewarding those who have already shown a commitment to diversity initiatives.

When does this start?

The grant programs would be funded starting in fiscal year 2027, with specific timelines for different grant types.

Funding Authorization Period

Funds are authorized for fiscal year 2027 and for the five following fiscal years.

Planning Grant Duration

Planning grants awarded to schools will last for a period of no more than one year.

Implementation Grant Duration

Implementation grants will last for a period of no more than three years.

Implementation Grant Extension

The Secretary of Education may extend an implementation grant for an additional two years if the school district shows it is making significant progress.