What does Preamble of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To establish the Strength in Diversity Program, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled Strength in Diversity Act of 2026

What does PURPOSE. of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

This Act aims to support strategies addressing the effects of racial isolation or concentrated poverty. The Act focuses on increasing diversity, specifically racial and socioeconomic diversity, in covered schools. The strategies supported by this Act will be developed, implemented, and evaluated.

What does RESERVATION FOR NATIONAL AND STATE ACTIVITIES. of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

The Secretary may reserve up to 5 percent of funds available under section 9 for national activities of significance related to the Act. These national activities may include research, development, data collection, monitoring, technical assistance, evaluation, or dissemination. The Secretary may also reserve up to 10 percent of funds under section 9 for planning and implementation grants to State educational agencies under section 4. Best practices for grant recipients under section 4 and other experts in school diversity may be developed and maintained.

What does GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes a grant program to improve diversity and reduce racial or socioeconomic isolation in covered schools. The Secretary will award grants from funds made available under section 9, excluding amounts reserved under section 3. Grants may be awarded as planning grants (section 6(a)) or implementation grants (section 6(b)), or both. Grant applications will be evaluated based on application quality, the likelihood of improving student outcomes, and the potential for reducing isolation. Priority will be given to entities that previously applied for the Opening Doors, Expanding Opportunities program, those addressing racial isolation, programs extending beyond one local educational agency, and those coordinating with local housing agencies. Planning grants are limited to a maximum of one year, while implementation grants can last up to three years, with a possible two-year extension based on demonstrated progress.

What does APPLICATIONS. of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines the application requirements for entities seeking grants under section 4. Applications must include a description of the proposed program, including how it will improve student outcomes and increase diversity. Applicants proposing to benefit racially isolated or high-poverty schools must describe their methods for identifying and defining these conditions. A plan for continuing the program after the grant period is required. Applicants must detail how they will assess, monitor, and evaluate the program's impact on student achievement, enrollment diversity, and teacher diversity. Robust parent and community engagement is required, including consultation with various stakeholders. Applications must estimate the number of students to be served and plans for program expansion. Applicants must assure cooperation with the Secretary in evaluating the program and engagement in best practices. Applicants must consider the potential implications of grant activities on nearby schools. For implementation grants, applicants must describe how they will implement, replicate, or test strategies to increase diversity. Consortium applications require specification of a lead applicant and fund distribution. State educational agency applications must demonstrate procedures to prevent redrawing school district lines that increase isolation and prioritize integrated school construction.

What does USES OF FUNDS. of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines the permitted uses of funds provided through planning and implementation grants under section 4. Planning grant recipients must use funds to assess educational outcomes, facility capacity, teacher diversity, and develop plans to improve diversity in covered schools. These plans must include community engagement, options for improving diversity (like weighted lotteries or school boundary redesign), and data collection for transparency. Implementation grant recipients must implement high-quality plans to improve academic outcomes, particularly for students of color and low-income students, by increasing diversity. Implementation grant activities may include recruiting and training staff, investing in specialized programs, developing transportation plans, and creating equitable school assignment plans. The grants can also be used to create one-stop enrollment processes and improve access to information about school options.

What does PERFORMANCE MEASURES. of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

The Secretary shall establish performance measures for grant programs under section 4. Measures track progress in improving academic and developmental outcomes for subgroups. Measures also track progress in increasing diversity and decreasing racial or socioeconomic isolation.

What does ANNUAL REPORTS. of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines annual reporting requirements for eligible entities receiving grants under section 4. Reports must be submitted to the Secretary at a time and in a manner the Secretary specifies. The annual report must include a description of efforts to increase inclusivity. Entities must report on progress related to performance measures described in section 7. The report requires data supporting the progress reported. Entities must describe how they will continue to improve diversity and decrease racial or socioeconomic isolation in covered schools. If applicable, the report must include information on the progress of regional programs in reducing racial and socioeconomic isolation in covered schools.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act Funding is authorized for fiscal year 2027 and the next 5 years

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Strength in Diversity Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: Christopher Murphy (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Strength in Diversity Program to support strategies that address racial isolation and concentrated poverty in schools.
The bill authorizes grants to state and local educational agencies, as well as consortia, to improve diversity and reduce racial or socioeconomic isolation in covered schools, prioritizing those previously applying for similar programs.
Grant funds can be used for planning, implementing diversity initiatives, recruiting and training staff, and developing equitable school assignment plans.
Recipients of grants are required to assess educational outcomes, engage with the community, and report annually on progress toward improving academic outcomes and increasing diversity.
The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2027 and the following five years to fund the program, while also prohibiting federal control over curriculum, instruction, or personnel within educational institutions.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 3605(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 10 more.

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