Students With Disabilities Can Apply For $500 Cash Grants By Friday
About the Grant Program
The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund is a partnership between the Mayor’s Office and Ada S. McKinley Community Services, providing a one-time cash grant of $500 per student with disabilities. The program aims to support students who were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility and Application
The deadline to apply is Friday, and families can use the grant money for any purpose. The grant program was initially announced in April, with an initial deadline of October 30, which was later extended. To qualify, a family must have a total household income less than or equal to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, and no household can receive more than $1,000 total.
Funding Source
The funds for the grant come from the American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021. Chicago received nearly $1.9 billion from the program to aid recovery from the pandemic.
How the Grant Can Be Used
The grant money can be used for any purpose, including to pay for school supplies, groceries, or assistive technology. The fund will provide grants to up to 8,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Impact and Commitment
“We are ready to support more students with disabilities and families [to] apply for the cash assistance program and are already seeing a positive impact on the lives of students and families who received payment,” said Rachel Arfa, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities commissioner. “This is part of our commitment to serve youth [within] Chicago, including youth with disabilities.”
Conclusion
The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund aims to provide critical support to students with disabilities and their families. With the deadline approaching, families are encouraged to apply for the grant and use the funds to improve their lives.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible for the grant? A: Families with students who have disabilities and a total household income less than or equal to 300 percent of the federal poverty level.
Q: How much can a family receive? A: Up to $1,000 total, and $500 per student.
Q: What can the grant money be used for? A: The grant money can be used for any purpose, including school supplies, groceries, or assistive technology.
Q: How do I apply for the grant? A: The deadline to apply is Friday. Please visit the Mayor’s Office website for more information on how to apply.
