Rural Education Initiative

Authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended, the purpose of Title V Part B — Rural Education Initiative is to address the unique needs of rural school districts and state charter schools that frequently:

1. lack the personnel and resources needed to compete effectively for federal competitive grants; and
2. receive formula grant allocations in amounts too small to be effective in meeting their intended purposes.

The formula grant funds and the fund use flexibility under the Rural Education Initiative allow rural districts and state charter schools to participate more fully and effectively in many of the federal programs and thus provide better educational services to their students.

There are two programs authorized under the Rural Education Initiative:

1. Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program
2. Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program