After nearly a month of uncertainty, Colorado schools will receive the remaining $66 million in federal education grants that had been frozen by the Trump administration.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Education announced the release of over $5 billion in grant funding nationwide, including money allocated for Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, and Adult Education and Family Literacy programs. The freeze had impacted funds set aside for the 2025–26 school year.
“Today, all the withheld education funding from the Trump Administration has been returned to our classrooms, where it should have been this whole time,” Governor Jared Polis said in a statement. He added that while the funding return is a relief, the delay caused significant disruption for families and schools just weeks before classes begin.
Districts across Colorado learned just hours before a July 1 disbursement deadline that nearly $80 million in approved federal grants would not be delivered. The move sparked widespread backlash from educators, advocates, and officials who warned the decision would cut vital support for English learners, immigrant students, and before- and after-school programs. There were also concerns about potential job losses among educators.
The Office of Management and Budget said the freeze was meant to ensure the funding aligned with the administration’s priorities.
The first portion of the frozen funds—$13 million for 21st Century Community Learning Centers supporting before- and after-school programs—was approved for release on July 21. The Colorado Department of Education is still waiting for final grant award notices for the remaining money.
In the last year, Colorado received the following amounts from these grants:
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Title I-C (Migrant Education): $7,189,738
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Title II-A (Professional Development): $25,937,647
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Title III-A (English Learner Services): $11,172,632
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Title IV-A (Academic Enrichment): $13,529,608
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Adult Education and Family Literacy: $8,814,117
Education Commissioner Susana Cordova said the state expects similar funding this year, which will be awarded to school districts and BOCES once grant notifications are received and assurances are reviewed.
“Federal dollars provide critical support for every child in Colorado — no matter where they live — to learn, grow, and thrive,” Cordova said. She thanked U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and the many advocates who pushed for the release of the funds.
Earlier this month, Colorado joined 24 other states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over the $6.8 billion in frozen grants. Governor Polis also joined 17 Democratic governors in demanding the release of the funds in a formal letter.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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