(Washington, D.C) U.S. Representatives Sam Graves and Earl Pomeroy (D-North Dakota) introduced bi-partisan, bi-cameral legislation today to reauthorize the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP). The federal program was created as a part of the No Child Left Behind law and is the only program designed to help rural school districts overcome the increased expenses caused by geographic distance.

“The quality of our children’s education should not be defined by where they live,” said Graves. “Programs like REAP ensure that all students have the same opportunities to succeed in life.”

REAP helps rural school districts that lack the resources to apply for federal competitive grants and do not have access to large amounts of funding due to small populations. Federal grant funding helps schools to more effectively meet the unique challenges posed by educating students in rural areas.

“Rural school districts have unique needs and face different challenges than those in larger cities,” Pomeroy said. “REAP rightfully levels the playing field for students in rural areas by giving them increased access to the resources they need.”

The reauthorization will streamline eligibility for rural schools to receive increased funding, updating the law to include a better definition of rural districts and would provide a better measurement of poverty. Between 2004 and 2008, the program distributed more than $848 million to approximately five thousand rural districts nationwide.  With nearly one-third of America’s public schools in rural areas and 21 percent of students attending these small and high-poverty schools, this funding provides necessary equipment and programming.

Senators Conrad (D-ND) and Collins (R-ME) plan to introduce companion legislation in the Senate today.

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