PA Department of Education - Division of Federal Programs - Harrisburg, PA

Administering Federal Education Funding

Office Overview

The Division of Federal Programs, situated within the Pennsylvania Department of Education at 333 Market Street, serves as the primary administrator for federal education grants under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This office is responsible for overseeing the distribution and monitoring of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal aid to over 600 Local Education Agencies (LEAs), including school districts, charter schools, and intermediate units across the Commonwealth.

Key Grant Programs

The division manages several critical Title programs designed to ensure equal educational opportunities:

• Title I: Providing financial assistance to schools with high numbers of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.
• Title II: Supporting effective instruction through the preparation, training, and recruitment of high-quality teachers and principals.
• Title III: Funding language instruction for English Learners (ELs) and immigrant students.
• Title IV: Promoting student support and academic enrichment, including well-rounded education and the effective use of technology.

Equitable Services

A significant function of this office is ensuring that non-public (private and religious) schools receive equitable services as mandated by federal law. The division provides guidance and an Ombudsman to handle complaints and ensure that consultation between public school districts and non-public schools occurs in a timely and meaningful manner.

Compliance and Monitoring

The division utilizes the eGrants system for application processing and fiscal management. Staff conduct regular monitoring visits and audits to ensure that federal funds are used in accordance with the law. They also provide technical assistance to school administrators through regional workshops and the annual Federal Programs Coordinators Conference.

Location and Access

The office is located on the 7th floor of the Pennsylvania Department of Education building (333 Market Street). As a secure state government facility, visitors must check in at the lobby security desk, pass through metal detectors, and present valid government-issued photo identification. While the office primarily interacts with school administrators rather than the general public, scheduled meetings are held in the building's conference rooms.