Wondering what grants the Department of Education funds in Beaufort County? Here’s what we found
Federal grants play a vital role in the growth and sustainability of local governments, nonprofits, transportation and more in Beaufort County.
However, one of the most crucial federally-funded sectors in the country is education.
President Donald Trump’s administration shook the nation on Tuesday when it announced significant cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to downsize operations and shift responsibilities to state governments.
The move sparked concern and confusion, as it could threaten federal education funding and services.
What are the main responsibilities of the DOE?
Although states and local districts are in charge of their schools, the DOE funding helps states ensure all their students have access to an education.
This includes many areas:
Establishes and distributes financial aid
Collects educational data
Identifies and addresses key education issues
Protects students’ rights
Supports state and local education systems
Much of the funding from DOE for K-12 schools goes through large federal programs and is ordered by Congress.
With the uncertainty surrounding the DOE’s future, it’s important to understand what kind of federal funding Beaufort County receives and how potential cuts could impact students and schools moving forward.
Here is a rundown of the federal grants awarded to Beaufort County School District and the Technical College of the Lowcountry, according to USASpending.gov. This website tracks how much money the government is obligated to spend and the current amount paid so far.
The list below shows all federal awards to Beaufort County from the DOE during the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
Here’s what we found
Med-Tech7: BCSD’s Magnet Schools Assistance Program
Total: $10,100,560
Paid: $7,620,862
Dates: April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2025
Purpose: This program offers students in K-12 grades the opportunity to study medical and technology-related fields.
BCSD School Changemaker program for high school graduates
Total: $5,684,536
Paid: Not yet available
Dates: October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025
Purpose: This program provides high school graduates from magnet schools with support in retaining academic knowledge, experience and life skills.
Technical College of the Lowcountry Student Support Services Grant
Total: $1,702,470
Paid: $1,257,716
Dates: September 1, 2020, to August 31, 2025
Purpose: Since 1992, this program has helped eligible students excel academically and overcome challenges while working to earn an associate degree.
Technical College of the Lowcountry Talent Search Grant
Total: $1,177,434
Paid: $847,866
Dates: September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2025
Purpose: This program identifies middle and high school students in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties in need of support when preparing for college.
Beaufort County School District Impact Aid Program: Title VII
Total: $135,511
Paid: $135,511
Dates: Until September 30, 2028
Purpose: Impact Aid funds are general aid that school districts can use for a variety of expenses, including salaries, equipment and educational programs. Other funds must be used for specific purposes, such as supporting children with disabilities.
Beaufort County School District Impact Aid Program
Total: $10,906
Paid: $10,906
Dates: Until September 30, 2030
Purpose: BCSD is awarded two Impact Aid grants for programs, supplies, salaries and more.
Additional federal awards for BCSD
The Beaufort County School District also receives federal funding to support its students, programs and teachers. The following list includes additional federally funded programs in Beaufort County K-12 schools.
This list was provided by Candace Bruder, spokesperson for the BCSD and reflects the awards and/or reimbursements from 2024-2025.
These federal grants govern elementary and secondary education in America. It covers the improvement of programming, teacher training, language instruction and other financial aid needs.
Title I (Targeted School Improvement and Support): $6,258,074
Title II (Teacher Recruiting, Training & Preparation): $784,646
Title III (Language Instruction for English Learners & Immigrant Students): $3,025,55
Title IV (Student Support and Academic Enrichment): $515,485
Individuals with Disabilities Act:
These grants ensure special education and related disability services are accessible to students and support early intervention services for infants and toddlers in preschool. This goes to both pre-school and K-12 schools in Beaufort County.
IDEA Pre-School: $176,500
IDEA K-12: $4,402,839
Magnet Schools Assistance Program:
These grants allow eligible education agencies to establish and operate magnet schools.
MSAP: $2,363,534
American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund:
These grants provide local educational agencies with emergency relief funds.
ARP ESSER III: $50,976,622
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief for Coronavirus Response and Relief:
This act was signed into law on December 27, 2020, and provides additional funds for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief.
ESSER II-CRSSA: $22,681,781
The Department of Defense Education Activity for Military-Connected Student Achievement:
This program supports military-connected student achievement. These funds allowed for establishment, improvement or expansion of world language study for military-connected students in eligible school districts.
MCASP: $205,489
Adult Education & Family Literacy:
These grants fund local programs of adult education and literacy services such as GED and English as a Second Language.
Adult Education & Family Literacy: $691,874
Other federal grants and reimbursement programs
The following programs provide smaller grants or reimbursement for BCSD:
E-Rate: Schools and Libraries Program/Operations
McKinney-Vento: Education for Homeless Children
Meals for School Programs
Perkins V: Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century
ROTC: Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Instructors
Stop School Violence Program
Stronger Connections Grant
Medicaid
Altogether, BCSD receives over $95 million in federal funding and grants.
For a comprehensive list of all the federal, state and other public or private grants awarded to the Beaufort County School District, you can visit their special revenue and grants webpage.
