Virginia’s Education Innovation: How $68 Million Accelerated Student Learning
Discover the power of a digital wallet platform in distributing funds to accelerate student progress
The COVID-19 pandemic affected students across the country, resulting in many students falling behind and impacting low-income students the most. According to data from test scores, (as seen in this study ALL In Tutoring | Virginia Department of Education)the average student lost more than half a school year of learning in math and nearly a quarter of a school year in reading.
Determined to bridge this divide, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) launched a groundbreaking initiative, proving that targeted support and technology can help transform educational outcomes.
An Innovative Solution: The Power of Microgrants
VDOE understood that financial barriers are a major factor in accessing educational resources.and support. They chose to partner with ClassWallet to launch the nation’s largest tutoring microgrant program. This groundbreaking initiative distributed $68 million in Learning Acceleration Grants directly to Virginia’s families. The program is unique in its universal eligibility and funding. All Virginia K-12 students – public, private and those being homeschooled – could access funding. Additionally, students in low-income households received additional funding, giving them even greater access to the support they need.
Empowering Families, Transforming Education
The Learning Acceleration Grant Program has revolutionized the way families access educational services in Virginia. Through partnership with ClassWallet, VDOE has empowered families to take control of their children’s education and make informed decisions about the support they need.
Through the ClassWallet platform, families can access a comprehensive list of VDOE-approved providers. This ensures that the funds can only be used for their intended purposes: tutoring, special education therapies, and assistive technology that directly address students’ individual needs. Whether it’s in-person or online tutoring, families have the flexibility to choose the services that work best for their children.
The Impact: A Beacon of Hope
Since its launch in early 2022, the Learning Acceleration Grant Program has significantly impacted thousands of families in the Commonwealth, helping boost students’ educational outcomes. Over 30,000 students have benefited from more than 300,000 hours of tutoring and educational therapies. This program has been particularly transformative for students from low-income families, who now have access to high-quality services that were previously financially out of reach.
ClassWallet is proud to be a part of the Virginia Learning Acceleration Grant Program’s success. ClassWallet’s technology platform streamlined the distribution of these critical grant funds, ensuring that families receive the support they need quickly and are able to use the funds effectively to help accelerate their student’s learning.
A Model for the Future
Virginia’s Learning Acceleration Grant Program serves as a model for other states grappling with the educational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It demonstrates that targeted financial assistance and innovative technology can help bridge the achievement gap and transform students’ educational outcomes.
By prioritizing access and equity, VDOE and ClassWallet have shown that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive academically regardless of their background or income level. The Learning Acceleration Grant Program has provided immediate support to students in need and laid the foundation for improving outcomes for all families.
As we look to the future, it is crucial that we continue to invest in innovative solutions that prioritize student success. Learning from the success of the Learning Acceleration Grant Program can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life.