ADE is pleased to launch the $5 million Transportation Modernization Grant Program. Created through the LEARNS Act, the program provides funding for innovative approaches to transportation for students who attend public schools, open-enrollment charter schools, and licensed childcare centers serving publicly-funded students. 

The application cycle is now open and closes on January 31, 2025. The following entities are eligible to apply:

• Public school districts,
• Open-enrollment public charter schools,
• Early childhood care and education programs or their local early childhood coordinators,
• Cities,
• Towns,
• Counties,
• Education service cooperatives, and
• Non-profit organizations.

Applications will be reviewed and scored by a committee based on student safety, cost effectiveness, innovation, and meeting need and demand. At least 25% of the grants will be awarded to support rural and remote public school districts.

To apply, visit https://dese.link/TransportationGrantApplication. To learn more about the program, see https://learns.ade.arkansas.gov/.