The Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program administered by the Department of Education to help schools and education agencies address pandemic-related impacts on student academic, social-emotional, mental, behavioral, and physical health. The program funds eligible applicants including school districts, state education agencies, nonprofits partnering with schools, and tribal education programs, with at least 75 percent of funding supporting proven strategies and 25 percent supporting new educator-developed proposals, while ensuring 25 percent of funds go to rural areas and 50 percent benefit low-income student populations. Priority support targets students disproportionately affected by COVID-19, including low-income students, students of color, English learners, and those experiencing homelessness or involved in the juvenile justice system. Grant recipients must conduct independent evaluations of their programs and submit annual reports to the Department of Education documenting fund usage and student outcomes. The bill authorizes $15 billion annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2029, $10 billion annually for 2030 through 2033, and $5 billion annually for 2034 through 2036, while protecting all existing employee collective bargaining rights.
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