The Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to help school districts increase racial and socioeconomic diversity and reduce isolation in schools. Eligible recipients include state education agencies, local school districts, and regional education organizations that currently experience significant achievement gaps and school segregation. The bill authorizes grants for two phases: planning grants lasting up to one year to develop diversity strategies, and implementation grants lasting up to three years (extendable by two more years) to carry out those strategies. Grant activities may include recruiting diverse staff, creating equitable school assignment systems, improving transportation access, and developing specialized academic programs to attract inter-district attendance. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2032, with up to 15 percent of annual funds reserved for federal research activities and state planning grants, while the remaining funds go to competitive grants. Grantees must track progress through performance measures including student academic outcomes, graduation rates, school readiness, and changes in student and teacher diversity, and submit annual reports to the Department of Education.
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