Small, Rural School Achievement Program

84.358A

Formula Grants

Small Rural School Grants, Rural Education Achievement Program, REAP, SRSA

The purpose of the Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program is to provide rural local educational agencies (LEAs) with financial assistance to fund initiatives aimed at improving student academic achievement.

LEAs are entitled to funds if they meet basic eligibility and application requirements. Awards are issued annually, and award amounts are determined using a formula.

Uses of Funds

Grantees may use SRSA funds to carry out activities authorized under any of the following federal programs: Video

Example: A school district develops an entrepreneurial education program to supplement its civics curriculum.
Example: A school district pays the stipend for a prospective teacher to work alongside an effective teacher, who is the teacher of record, for a full academic year.
Example: A school district offers an afterschool enrichment program for English learners.
Example: A school district purchases a bully prevention program for all schools.
Example: A school district purchases instruments to supplement schools’ band and orchestra programs.

See the Uses of Funds Guide for the SRSA and and RLIS programs to better understand the allowable uses of funds specific to each program.

Alternative Fund Use Authority (AFUA)

The Alternative Fund Use Authority allows SRSA-eligible LEAs greater flexibility in spending the funds they receive under Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A to best address the LEA’s particular needs. Under AFUA, LEAs are able to use their Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A funds to pay for activities under any of the allowable uses for SRSA grant funds. (See Section 5211(a) of the ESEA, as amended, for more information.)

  • An SRSA-eligible LEA does not have to apply for SRSA funds may exercise AUFA.
  • An LEA that is eligible for both SRSA and RLIS funds may exercise AUFA even if the LEA chooses to participate in RLIS instead of SRSA.
  • Before exercising AUFA, an eligible LEA must notify its SEA of its intent to do so by the deadline established by the SEA.  Eligible LEAs should reach out to their REAP State Coordinator contact for more information about the SEA’s reporting requirements deadline.