Oklahoma families can apply for $1,500 grant to help with school supplies
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Oklahoma families can now apply for the $1,500 grant to equip students with the tools they need for the new school year. Today Governor Kevin Stitt announced the Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet initiative.
Bridge the Gap is a new initiative that will connect up to 5,000 low-income Oklahoma families with $1,500 grants to purchase materials for students ahead of the 2020-21 school year.
"As our students face disruptions caused by COVID-19, and more schools are turning to distance learning this new school year, we must ensure all students, no matter their financial situation, have the supplies necessary to access their schoolwork,” said Gov. Stitt.
The initiative will allocate $8 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund to provide Oklahoma families who fall below the federal poverty line with access to purchase technology, materials, or supplies.
“Bridge the Gap puts the power in Oklahoma families’ hands to choose what materials are most necessary to make sure their students are academically successful. This could be buying new technology, accessing online curriculum, or buying books and supplies for learning at home. We’re proud to offer this program that provides parents with the flexibility they need in order to meet the needs of their individual students.” said Stitt.
To qualify families must submit an application online. Families who meet the federal low-income level guidelines of less than $26,200 per year for a family of four will be given priority to receive the Bridge the Gap grant.
Bridge the Gap is administered by Every Kid Counts Oklahoma (EKCO), a new education-focused organization, and EKCO will be awarding the grants to up to 5,000 Oklahoma families on a first-come, first-served basis.