Targeted Extended/Enriched School Year and Year-Round School Grant

Overview

The Targeted Extended/Enriched School Year and Year‑Round School Grant Program provides state funding to help Virginia school divisions design, plan, and implement innovative school calendars that extend or enrich the traditional model. The grant supports divisions interested in expanding instructional time, adopting year‑round schedules, or piloting new instructional or governance approaches that better meet local needs and improve student learning outcomes. These funds are intended to encourage creative, research‑based strategies that increase learning opportunities. More details about the program can be found in the Virginia General Assembly’s official report.

Chapter 725, Item 124 M (2024-2026 Biennium) appropriates funding from the general fund over two years for the targeted extended/enriched school year or year-round school planning and start-up grants. Funds may also be awarded to school divisions to support innovative approaches to instructional delivery or school governance models. The planning grant year allows divisions and individual schools the ability to pursue the creation of a new innovative program or school model, and the start-up grant supports implementation. The overarching goal of the grant is to improve student achievement. 

 Subscribe to the Virginia Education Update for announcements on the next grant cycle

Planning Grant Applications

Divisions or individual schools may apply for a planning grant to pursue the creation of a new targeted extended/enriched school year or year-round school program in support of the findings from the 2012 JLARC Review of Year-Round Schools for no more than $50,000. Applicants may also apply for grants related to innovative instructional programs or school governance models may submit reasonable budget proposals required for planning. Priority shall be given to schools based on need as determined through performance data in the Fall 2025 School Performance and Support Framework. Applications for a planning grant shall include evidence of commitment to pursue implementation in the upcoming school year.

Start-Up Grant Applications

Divisions or individual schools may apply for a start-up grant to implement a targeted extended/enriched school year program or a year-round school program in support of the findings from the 2012 JLARC Review of Year-Round Schools. Applicants may also apply for grants related to innovative approaches to instructional delivery or a school governance model. Annual start-up grants of $300,000 per school may be awarded for a period of up to two years after the initial implementation year to support the start-up period. The school or division may request up to $400,000 if the school receives a summative rating of Needs Intensive Support or Off Track on the Fall 2025 School Performance and Support Framework. Funding priority is based on schools federally identified or identified as needs intensive support or off track on the School Performance and Support Framework.

Questions about this application can be submitted via email to innovation@doe.virginia.gov.