GEER II Funding

GEER II Relief Funds to Support New Grants for Students and Families 

DESE is excited to announce three grant programs using GEER II funds. DESE awards GEER II funds to support local education agencies (LEAs) and essential education-related entities most significantly impacted by COVID-19. Governor Mike Parson has designated $12,145,405 for grants through DESE. 

To assist LEAs with grants funded by GEER II funds, DESE has prepared a guidance document detailing the purpose, uses, deadlines, and requirements for each grant, which can be found here under GEER II.

Grant Totals

  • Parent Reimbursement Grant: $6,072,703
  • CTE Equipment and Enhancement Grant: $5,931,624
  • Jobs for America's Graduates: $141,078

Parent Reimbursement Grant

The pandemic significantly limited the ability of many parents to earn wages and therefore support their students as they earned credentials for their own careers. Because developing a competitive workforce for high-demand jobs is a critical priority for Missouri, the Parent Reimbursement Grant is implemented to offset parents’ costs of credentials earned through career and technical education. Parent Reimbursement Grants will be administered through all school districts and charter schools.

CTE Equipment and Enhancement Grant – Area Career Centers only

Based on Governor Parson’s determination of impact and need, DESE has established a competitive grant for Missouri’s 57 area career centers. The grant’s purpose is to enhance the capacity to provide career and technical education in high-demand fields. Schools shall use grant funds to purchase equipment, materials and supplies, professional development, and to renovate facilities. Expenses should enhance or extend area career centers’ capacities to offer training in high-demand occupations.

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)

Data indicates that JAG program enrollments declined by nearly 30 percent during the 2020-21 school year. Further, projections indicate that increased enrollment for 2021-22 is anticipated. To respond to this critical need, increased funding is proposed.