FAQs

Eligibility and Requirements

Can you provide an example of something that would qualify as a new expense not already in our budget?

Examples include:

  • Math coaching from TNTP (if not previously contracted)

  • New math tools like iReady, Teach to One Roadmaps, Amplify Desmos (if not currently used)

  • Modern Classroom implementation

  • Any supplemental math intervention tools or professional development services not previously budgeted

What if we had a tool that was previously paid for through a different source, but now, we have to pay for it ourselves?

That would be an eligible cost because you weren't previously paying for it from your school budget.

If we were using a curriculum (e.g. Eureka Squared) for one grade level and want to expand it to all elementary school, would that be eligible?

Curriculum choices are not eligible costs. These grants are for supplemental acceleration activities, not baseline curriculum costs.

Can we expand an existing contract that we piloted in one school to more schools?

Yes, expansion of existing contracts for acceleration activities that weren't already budgeted for 2025-26 would be eligible.

Is going from "optimize" to "transform" level membership with EK12 an eligible cost?

Yes, that extending contracts to cover additional services are eligible costs. As with all grant budget expenditures, you need to clearly tie activities to math results and outcomes in your application. Remember that EK12 staff are not the application reviewers.

Budget and Funding

What are the budget guidelines?

  • Approximately $200 per student impacted in year 1

  • Approximately $100 per student impacted in year 2

  • You can serve more students in year 1 than year 2, or do a pilot in year 1 and expand in year 2

  • Total available funding for round 1 is approximately $1.1 million

Can we adjust the budget breakdown if needed after funding?

Yes, adjustments may be possible after completion, but they must still be an allowable cost per our grant application guidelines and aligned to the project, similar to most funders.

Do we need to include Empower K12 data membership in our budget?

If you're not already an EmpowerK12 DC Data Hub member at the optimize or transform level, you should include that cost in your budget as it's a requirement.

Application Process

What is the application deadline?

July 8th at 5:00 PM ET

Who will review the applications?

Applications will be read and scored by two external reviewers, not EmpowerK12 staff members.

Will there be clarifying questions or interviews?

Possibly. If there are more high-quality applications than can be funded in round 1, there may be Zoom interviews with finalists during the last week of July.

What are reviewers looking for?

Projects that link your school's data to the identified solution, with strong implementation plans and clear connections to math outcomes.

Data Requirements

What kind of data collection is required?

The grant requires weekly math skills data collection. This is for research and development purposes to identify which classrooms are accelerating student progress and understand what interventions are working, a key reason EK12 was able to secure funding for charter math acceleration activities.

What if technology fails and students have to take assessments by hand?

The goal is to gather math skills data weekly, but understandable technology issues won't derail the program. The focus is on trying to collect data consistently to support both your teaching decisions and program research goals.

Supplement vs. Supplant

What's the difference between supplemental and supplanting costs?

  • Supplemental (eligible): New tools, training, or services not already in your 2025-26 budget

  • Supplanting (not eligible): Replacing costs you were already planning to spend

  • Bloomberg specifically wants to fund new initiatives, not replace existing planned expenses

Can we add supplemental supports to an existing contract?

Yes, if there are additional supports that would enhance existing work (like upgrading from basic to premium level services), those additional costs would be eligible.

Timeline and Support

When will grant awards be announced?

By August 1st, with programs starting in fall 2025.

What support will be provided?

  • Data analysis support and dashboards

  • Design sprints to ensure well-designed programs

  • Weekly math skills data collection and analysis

  • Access to math fellows (high-growth teachers) for guidance

What about supplemental documents?

You can include supplemental documents if you reference something specific in your application (like a rubric or framework) that reviewers would need to see for context.

For additional questions, contact Josh Boots directly. All Q&As will be posted online and shared with all eligible applicants to ensure transparency and fairness in the process.