Exploration Supports
Exploration Supports from the Colorado Department of Education funds research-driven planning and diagnostic activities to help LEAs identify needs and design evidence-based school improvement strategies.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates: December 31, 2026
Funding Amounts: School-level: up to $42,000 (specialized review) or $80,000 (holistic review); District-level: up to $55,000 (specialized) or $80,000–$150,000 (strategic planning); 18-month grant period.
Summary: Supports Colorado LEAs in conducting planning-phase activities to assess needs and design solutions for school improvement before implementation.
Key Information: Only LEAs with schools identified for improvement (ESSA or state designations) are eligible; funds are for planning and early implementation, not ongoing positions.
Description
This grant, administered by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) under the Empowering Action for School Improvement (EASI) program, provides Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with funding and services to investigate and address needs in specific schools or targeted student populations. The focus is on supporting the early planning phase—through external diagnostic reviews, stakeholder engagement, and improvement planning—so that LEAs can better understand their challenges and explore tailored solutions before moving to large-scale implementation. The program is designed as a cohesive bundle, ensuring a thorough exploration process and building readiness for future school improvement efforts.
