INDIANA – Whether you are a student, parent, or teacher, Benefits.gov has information on resources to help you and your family succeed in the classroom.
Resources for Parents
As a parent or caregiver, you want your child to have every opportunity to do well in school. Check out these programs on Benefits.gov to help you and your favorite student:
- The School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs give nutritionally balanced meals to children in low-income families as a part of their school day. Learn more about child nutrition programs by visiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs page.
- The Special Milk Program (SMP) gives milk to children in schools and other places, like childcare centers. Schools that are a part of the School Lunch or School Breakfast Program may also be a part of the SMP if the milk is provided to children who are not a part of the school meal programs (for example, children in half-day kindergarten).
- USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) gives meals for free to children in low-income communities when school is not in session.
- The U.S. Department of Education offers a Parent’s Countdown to Success for advice on talking to teachers, creative ways to get your student excited for school, and health and nutrition tips.
Resources for College Students
For students pursuing higher education degrees, Benefits.gov has information on several programs that may help:
- The Federal Pell Grant Program gives grants to low-income undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Federal Pell Grants are grants awarded to students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree or who are enrolled in qualifying post-baccalaureate programs for teacher certification.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application used by virtually all two and four-year colleges, universities, and career schools for awarding federal, state, and college-funded student aid.
- Federal Work-Study (FWS) funds part-time employment for undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs. FWS helps students earn money to help pay post-secondary education costs. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study. The total award depends on when the student applies, the level of need, and the funding level of the school.
- For D.C. residents, The D.C. Adoption Scholarship(DCAS) offers grant awards of up to $10,000 per year for up to six years. DCAS is available to children adopted through the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency or children who have lost one or both parents in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Resources for Educators
Benefits.gov also hosts information on programs that may help educators both in and out of the classroom including:
The Teachers for Global Classrooms Program provides training through an online professional development course, two Washington, D.C.-based symposiums, and a 2-3 week international exchange.
The English Language (EL) Teaching Fellow Program promotes English language learning and English teaching abroad. Through projects sponsored by U.S. embassies, EL Fellows share their knowledge, strengthen their skills, get international experience, and learn about other cultures.
The Good Neighbor Next Door Program may help teachers with their home purchases. This program offers qualified buyers a 50 percent discount off the list price of homes available from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development revitalization area. Participants must agree to live in the home for three years and it must be their sole residence.
To find additional benefits for students and teachers, we recommend taking the Benefits Finder questionnaire to help determine your eligibility for over 1,000 programs.
