Title I + Rural Education

Every child in America deserves a high-quality education, no matter where they live or their family's income. Millions of students in America—especially those in low-income and rural communities—depend on critical funding from the U.S. Department of Education to get the support they need to succeed.

The U.S. Department of Education provides over $18 billion annually through Title I and $215 million for rural schools to help the country’s most underserved students. Today, nearly two-thirds of public schools—including 2 in 3 charter public schools—rely on Title I dollars to keep their doors open and provide students with the teachers, programs, and other resources they need. More than 1 in 4 public schools are located in rural areas and serve communities where 20% of all students go to school in rural areas.

If the U.S. Department of Education is eliminated and Title I and Rural Education funding is cut, 26 million students – more than half of America’s public school students – could lose access to essential programs that help them learn and thrive. 

What’s at Stake in Your State

These funds

directly support:

  • Hiring teachers, school counselors, and mental health professionals to ensure students get the support they need.

  • Smaller class sizes so kids can receive more individual attention.

  • Tutoring, after-school programs, and summer school to provide safe and healthy environments and help students achieve academic success. 

  • Laptops, books, and classroom technology so students have access to high-quality learning materials.

  • Parent engagement programs that strengthen the connection between families and schools.

  • College and career readiness programs that prepare students for success.

  • Career and technical education (CTE), giving students pathways to good jobs.

  • Transportation for students in remote areas, so they can actually get to school.

States Depend on Federal Funding

Federal funding for schools in your state is on the chopping block, and millions of students will suffer if the dollars disappear. Without these critical investments, schools will struggle to keep teachers, provide essential programs, and ensure students have the necessary resources to succeed.

North

North Carolina

Losing Title I and rural education funds would devastate 755,000 students from low-income backgrounds—nearly half (47%) of the state’s student population. Schools depend on $518 million every year to hire teachers, fund tutoring, and keep essential programs running. Another $9 million supports students in rural schools, where options may already be limited. Cutting these funds would mean larger class sizes, fewer teachers, and fewer learning opportunities for students who need them most.

Florida 

1.5 million students—half of Florida’s entire student population—depend on $1 billion in annual federal funding to keep their schools running. Without this support, schools will be forced to cut programs that provide mental health counseling, college and career prep, and after-school tutoring. Florida’s rural schools, which receive $4 million annually, will be hit especially hard—leaving thousands of students without access to even the most basic education resources.

Louisiana

 79% of Louisiana’s students—540,000 children—attend schools that rely on $401 million in federal funding each year. These schools already face severe resource gaps, and cutting these funds will only make things worse. The $4.3 million allocated to rural schools ensures that children in small towns and remote areas can still receive a quality education. Without it, many will be left without the teachers, textbooks, and technology they need to succeed.