The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will launch a new grant initiative, Maryland Leads, designed to support Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in utilizing more than $150 million in federal funds.

The grant’s goal is to overcome the learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerate student learning to narrow opportunity and achievement gaps, provide more targeted support for historically underserved students and their communities, and attend to the longstanding need to establish and strengthen teacher pipelines and development.

“It’s exciting to see Maryland leading through this new program that aims to use American Rescue Plan funds in innovative ways. I’m heartened that Maryland Leads will help districts and schools both respond to the challenges posed by the pandemic and seize the opportunity our current moment offers to reimagine education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Maryland can build a better, stronger public education system for our students’ future. I’m looking forward to seeing how these efforts—including using literacy strategies grounded in the science of reading, investing in supports for educators, diversifying the educator workforce, and developing high-quality community schools—can expand educational excellence and opportunity to more students in the state” (MSDE press release).

According to an MSDE press release,

The Maryland Leads grant initiative is centered around seven high-leverage strategies proven to be effective and transformative for schools and school systems: Grow Your Own Staff, Staff Support and Retention, the Science of Reading, High-Quality School Day Tutoring, Reimagining the Use of Time, Innovative School Models, and Transforming Neighborhoods through Excellent Community Schools.

In advance of the application window, today MSDE released grant guidance documentation, including detailed information about each strategic area, and its plan for a series of general and strategy-specific information sessions. The application window opens February 15, 2022 and will close April 7, 2022. Please monitor the MSDE Maryland Leads website for updated information pertaining to the grant program, information sessions, and more.

Justin Dayhoff, Assistant State Superintendent, Financial Planning, Operations, and Strategy, is the MSDE’s point of contact if there are any questions.