Grants
About Our Grants
This list highlights our most significant competitive grants and major funding sources that support programs across our schools and departments. While not a comprehensive list of every funding source or entitlement, these grants represent the key initiatives that advance our LCAP Goals, Board Goals, and Superintendent Goals.
Every grant we pursue and receive is approached with long-term sustainability in mind. When a program proves beneficial to our students and schools, we actively plan for ways to maintain it beyond the grant period. However, because grants are limited in duration and scope, some programs and services may only be available during the term of the funding.
The Del Norte County Office of Education (DNCOE) serves as the consortium lead for all DNUSD grants, coordinating and managing funding to ensure alignment with district and county priorities.
Featured Grants
DNUSD Grants
| Grant | Grant Term Ends | Services Provided | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (Del Norte High School) | 2026 | Instructional materials, equipment, and supplies, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs, FFA chapter activities and leadership development, Curriculum development and improvement | Career Pathways |
| Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (Sunset High School) | 2026 | Instructional materials, equipment, and supplies, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs, FFA chapter activities and leadership development, Curriculum development and improvement | Career Pathways |
| Carl Perkins Innovation and Modernization Grant Program (PIM), Modern Youth Internship Academies (MYIA) Program, consortium with Blue Lake Rancheria | 2027 | Was intended to fund a dedicated CTE Counselor and then support paid work based learning internships for students. | Career Pathways |
| Classified School Employees Teacher Credentialing Program | 2026 | Tuition and fee reimbursement, Book and exam cost coverage, Mentorship and academic advising, Support with applying to and enrolling in teacher prep programs, Coordination and flexible scheduling, Priority placement into high-need subject areas | Workforce Development |
| Community Engagement Initiative (CEI), Crescent Elk | 2026 | Facilitated listening sessions, Training and coaching, Inclusive leadership teams, Support for improving the LCAP process, Reflective practice and equity-centered decision-making, Participation in statewide peer learning, Targeted outreach, Collaboration with local agencies and tribal partners | Family & Community Engagement |
| Local Control & School Safety Plan (LCSSP) Grant | 2027 | Improve school climate and student engagement, Reduce suspensions, expulsions, and chronic absenteeism,Increase access to mental health supports and restorative practices, Strengthen community-school partnerships that support vulnerable youth, Align safety planning with Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) goals | School Climate & Safety |
| Klamath Promise Neighborhood Grant | 2027 | Early childhood education, tutoring, career readiness, family engagement, afterschool enrichment, and mental health support through coordinated school-community partnerships. | Whole Child |
| Community School Partnership Program | 2028 | Integrated mental health services, expanded learning/afterschool, family resource supports, SEL, trauma-informed practices, restorative justice, and coordination with community partners. | Family & Community Engagement |
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Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant
Funding: State
Annual Award: $5,000
Positions Supported: N/A
Contact: jhobbs@dnusd.org
The Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (Ag Incentive Grant) is a state-funded, competitive grant program administered by the California Department of Education (CDE). It supports high-quality agricultural education programs in public middle and high schools by providing financial assistance to strengthen and sustain three essential components: classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and leadership development through FFA (Future Farmers of America). Districts must meet specific criteria, such as having an approved CTE course sequence and qualified instructors, to receive funding through a competitive application process.
In Del Norte schools, the Ag Incentive Grant helps maintain and grow student participation in agricultural science pathways. Funding supports hands-on projects, career exploration through local industry partnerships, and leadership activities such as FFA competitions and community service. It also contributes to equipment purchases, curriculum updates, and professional development for agriculture teachers. This investment not only enhances career readiness in fields like agriscience, animal science, and natural resources—but also connects students to local food systems, sustainability efforts, and postsecondary opportunities in agricultural careers.
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Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant
Funding: State
Annual Award: $21,000
Positions Supported: N/A
Contact: matthewlong@dnusd.org
The Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (Ag Incentive Grant) is a state-funded, competitive grant program administered by the California Department of Education (CDE). It supports high-quality agricultural education programs in public middle and high schools by providing financial assistance to strengthen and sustain three essential components: classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and leadership development through FFA (Future Farmers of America). Districts must meet specific criteria, such as having an approved CTE course sequence and qualified instructors, to receive funding through a competitive application process.
In Del Norte schools, the Ag Incentive Grant helps maintain and grow student participation in agricultural science pathways. Funding supports hands-on projects, career exploration through local industry partnerships, and leadership activities such as FFA competitions and community service. It also contributes to equipment purchases, curriculum updates, and professional development for agriculture teachers. This investment not only enhances career readiness in fields like agriscience, animal science, and natural resources—but also connects students to local food systems, sustainability efforts, and postsecondary opportunities in agricultural careers.
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Carl Perkins Innovation and Modernization Grant Program (PIM), Modern Youth Internship Academies (MYIA) Program, consortium with Blue Lake Rancheria
Funding: Federal
Annual Award: $0 (was $200,000)
Positions Supported: N/A
Contact: matthewlong@dnusd.org
Through the Carl Perkins Innovation and Modernization (PIM) Grant Program, Del Norte County partnered with Blue Lake Rancheria to launch the Modern Youth Internship Academies (MYIA)—a cutting-edge initiative aimed at connecting students with meaningful, paid work-based learning opportunities. This competitive federal grant supports innovation in Career Technical Education (CTE) by funding scalable, equity-centered models that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage careers in a changing economy. As part of a multi-agency consortium, Del Norte schools are working alongside tribal governments, local employers, and workforce development organizations to design internship academies that reflect regional priorities and emerging industries.
The MYIA program at Del Norte High School offers students structured internships, career mentoring, and 21st-century skill-building experiences in fields such as clean energy, environmental science, healthcare, and education. Funding supports coordination efforts, student stipends, transportation assistance, and collaboration with tribal partners like Blue Lake Rancheria—whose leadership in clean energy and sustainable development provides unique learning contexts for rural youth. The program emphasizes economic mobility, community engagement, and culturally relevant learning, with a long-term vision of helping students develop career pathways that benefit both themselves and their communities./p>
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Classified School Employees Teacher Credentialing
Funding: State
Annual Award: $62,400
Positions Supported: N/A
Contact: cparker@dnusd.org
The Classified School Employees Teacher Credentialing Program is a state-funded, competitive grant administered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The program is designed to help classified school employees—such as instructional aides, clerical staff, and bus drivers—become fully credentialed teachers. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) apply for this funding through a competitive process and, if awarded, provide financial and academic support to help eligible employees complete a bachelor’s degree and teacher credential program.
In Del Norte schools, this grant supports efforts to build a homegrown, diverse, and dedicated teaching workforce by investing in people already serving students and schools. The funding helps cover the cost of tuition, books, exam fees, and credentialing coursework, while also providing mentorship, advising, and scheduling flexibility so participants can continue working while pursuing their degrees. By supporting classified staff on their journey to becoming credentialed teachers, the program strengthens staffing in hard-to-fill positions, such as special education and bilingual education, and reinforces long-term retention by training individuals who are deeply rooted in the local community.
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Community Engagement Initiative (CEI)
Funding: State
Annual Award: $140,000
Positions Supported: N/A
Contact: lhoward@dnusd.org
The Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) Cohort Grant is a competitive, statewide program designed to strengthen relationships between schools, families, and communities. Funded by the California Department of Education and led by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the grant brings together teams from across the state to participate in a two-year Peer Leading and Learning Network. Del Norte County Office of Education was selected to join this network, recognizing the district’s commitment to improving inclusive and equity-centered engagement practices.
In Del Norte schools, CEI funding supports a range of collaborative activities aimed at building trust and shared leadership. Teams of educators, family members, and community partners participate in ongoing training, coaching, and peer dialogue focused on meaningful engagement. The grant enables schools to host listening sessions, gather feedback to inform programs like the LCAP, and strengthen outreach to historically underserved families. Through CEI, Del Norte is creating school environments where families are empowered as partners, students have a stronger voice, and community input is reflected in decision-making at all levels.
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California Local Control and School Safety Plan (LCSSP) Grant Program
Funding: State
Annual Award: $70,000
Positions Supported: 1 MTSS Tech, 0.5 Admin Assist
Contact: lhoward@dnusd.org
The Local Control and School Safety Partnership (LCSSP) Grant is a competitive state-funded program designed to help schools and districts improve student safety, mental wellness, and campus climate. The grant promotes coordinated efforts among education agencies, local law enforcement, and behavioral health providers to address root causes of discipline issues and reduce barriers to student success. LCSSP funding is aimed at fostering inclusive environments where all students feel safe, supported, and connected to their school community.
In Del Norte schools, LCSSP funding supports a range of strategies to strengthen student engagement and well-being. These include training staff in restorative practices, increasing access to school-based mental health supports, and developing more responsive behavior intervention systems. The grant also helps align safety planning efforts with the district’s broader equity and academic goals as outlined in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). By investing in prevention, collaboration, and proactive support, LCSSP helps schools create the conditions students need to thrive.
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Klamath Promise Neighborhood Grant
Funding: Federal
Annual Award: $1,105,815
Positions Supported:
- 2 = Counselors
- 2 = Guidance Technicians
Contact: lhoward@dnusd.org
The Klamath Promise Neighborhood Grant is funded through the federally competitive Promise Neighborhoods program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education. This grant supports a place-based approach to improving educational outcomes for children and youth in underserved communities by providing a cradle-to-career pipeline of supports. The initiative is rooted in strong partnerships among schools, tribal organizations, local agencies, and community nonprofits to coordinate services that address both academic and non-academic barriers to student success.
In Del Norte schools, the Klamath Promise Neighborhood Grant helps fund early childhood education, academic tutoring, college and career readiness, family engagement programs, afterschool enrichment, and culturally responsive learning environments—especially for Native American students and others in rural areas. Services include expanded access to mental health care, behavior supports, late transportation, and school-based student advocates. By investing in both school systems and community-based resources, the grant creates more equitable, connected, and supportive environments where all students can thrive from early learning through high school graduation and beyond.
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Community School Partnership Program
Funding: State
Annual Award: $1,800,000
Positions Supported:
- 2.6 = Licensed Clinical Social Workers
- 4 = Social Workers
- 6 = Family Engagement Liaisons
- 2 = School Psychology Interns
- 1 = Social Work Intern
- 3 = Counselors
- 2.6 = Counseling Guidance Technicians
- 3 = Psychologists
Contact: lhoward@dnusd.org
The California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) is a state-funded, competitive grant administered by the California Department of Education to support the transformation of schools into full-service community hubs. The program focuses on addressing the comprehensive needs of students and families through integrated support services, expanded learning time, family engagement, and collaborative leadership. Grants are awarded through a competitive process to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with high populations of underserved students and a demonstrated commitment to equity-driven school improvement.
In Del Norte schools, CCSPP funding supports a holistic approach to student success by embedding mental health services, afterschool programs, family resource centers, and social-emotional learning into everyday school life. Schools use grant resources to hire wellness staff, coordinate community partnerships, and create safe, welcoming spaces for students and families. Initiatives like Care Closets, trauma-informed practices, and restorative justice programming ensure that basic needs are met and that schools are equipped to support students both academically and emotionally. By bringing education, health, and social services together under one roof, the Community Schools model in Del Norte helps close opportunity gaps and build stronger, more resilient school communities.