How Districts Can Fund High-Quality Tutoring Beyond Pandemic Relief

Last updated: February 23, 2026

High-quality tutoring has emerged as a crucial post-pandemic strategy for helping struggling students in public schools. With federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds largely expired, districts are exploring alternative funding streams to support these programs.

TL;DR

High-quality tutoring is crucial for struggling students.
Federal ESSER funds have largely expired.
Alternative funding streams are available.
States and local governments are supporting tutoring programs.

Federal Funding Options

School districts may use Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I, part A funds for schoolwide or targeted tutoring programs. ESEA Title II, part A funds can be used to train staff as tutors and provide stipends.

High-quality tutoring is crucial for struggling students, but federal ESSER funds have expired. What's next for districts? Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

State and Local Funding

States are playing a pivotal role in sustaining and scaling tutoring programs launched with federal ESSER funds. Many states have relied on short-term appropriations, while others have embedded tutoring in their K-12 funding formulas.

Author Quote "

Tara Moon, policy analyst at FutureEd, emphasizes the importance of sustained funding for high-quality tutoring programs.

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Higher Education Partnerships

Colleges and universities represent a large, often underused source of potential low-cost tutors. Teacher-preparation programs are well-positioned to expand tutoring capacity, with undergraduate education majors serving as tutors in local elementary schools.

Key Takeaways:

Federal Funding: ESEA Titles I, II, IV, and VI can support tutoring programs.

State and Local Funding: States are using short-term appropriations and funding formulas to sustain tutoring programs.

Higher Education Partnerships: Colleges and universities can provide low-cost tutors and expand tutoring capacity.

Leveraging Philanthropic and Nonprofit Support

School districts can partner with philanthropic and nonprofit organizations to support tutoring programs. The Partnership for Student Success offers free implementation support and connects districts with vetted providers of staffing, training, and financial assistance.

By leveraging federal, state, and local funding streams, as well as higher education partnerships and philanthropic support, districts can ensure that high-quality tutoring programs continue to support struggling students. Learn more about Learning Success and how to access a personalized Action Plan.