Family Engagement Grants
What is this initiative?
Family Engagement Grants are award to North Dakota schools to pay for events that increase
two-way communication between the community and their school. The state’s K-12 school system
is unique in its level of local control, which requires that the North Dakota Department of Public
Instruction help all North Dakota parents feel comfortable interacting with their school districts.
What types of events were funded?
The events are as varied as our schools themselves, depending on the needs of the local community.
Some schools hosted events for parents and students: math bingo, make-and-take crafts, free book
fair, or musical performance. Other schools specifically focused on parents, helping them connect
with their children’s teachers over dinner or giving a presentation on how best to help with homework.
How many districts were awarded?
Thirty-two school districts submitted a proposal and 13 school districts across the state were awarded
up to $10,000, based on their proposed plan. Minot, Kulm, Dickinson, Northern Cass, Beulah, Valley
City, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Ellendale, Solen, New Rockford-Sheyenne, North Sargent, and United
School Districts were each awarded a grant. Across the two rounds of this grant, $200,000 in federal
funding was awarded directly to individual North Dakota schools.
What are the results?
The Family Engagement Grants were available to schools to increase family engagement in schools
and communities by implementing and enhancing highly effective family engagement programs,
activities and strategies that will improve student outcomes.
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