Using CARES Act Funding to Support Healthy Blended Learning

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), the federal government is providing funding to support schools across the country during these unprecedented times. 

Because each district has unique challenges, additional flexibility has been given to district administrators to use this funding as they see fit. 

Hands-on learning from anywhere

According to the Department of Education, ESSER funds can aid the “planning and implementing of activities related to summer learning and supplemental afterschool programs, including providing classroom instruction or online learning during the summer months.”

As educators continue designing education programs in real time, the most effective of these have positive learning outcomes as their primary goal. Learning from missteps and shortcomings inherent in a purely virtual learning environment is essential. Now is an ideal opportunity to improve as blended learning may be here to stay.

While it’s likely that the last thing educators and parents are looking for is more screen time for their students, not all virtual learning needs to be passive. Instead, education programs that also include time away from the computer can reintroduce the engaging, hands-on learning children have been missing while outside of their traditional school setting.

We believe that this blended approach to distance learning provides districts with the ability to create customized enrichment opportunities. This power of choice allows educators to support social-emotional learning and abandon the “one size fits all” approach to provide a truly empathetic learning experience to their students regardless of if they have access to a computer at home or not.

Innovative programs to fit your needs

In response to the challenges that COVID-19 has created for students and educators alike, the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® (NIHF) has developed six new products including a revamped professional development experience. Each of our new education programs can be completed at home without the use of a computer and provide opportunities for children to engage in outdoor play.

In our new, at-home Camp Invention Connect™ program, for instance, each of our four modules includes challenges that embrace creativity and provide opportunities to learn outside, and are paired with flexible online experiences for students to collaborate and connect with educators.

All our engaging options are turnkey and completely customizable, and they are available at a wide range of cost options. 

Proven invention education

For 30 years, NIHF has created innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs that have inspired millions of children across the country. Delivering hands-on activities and lessons from our world-changing NIHF Inductees, our enrichment programs are designed to help students of all backgrounds, demographics and learning abilities collaborate and develop an innovation mindset.

To learn more about how your school can use CARES funding to provide innovative learning on and off screen, please visit our website or call 800-968-4332.