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Kansas families can now apply for $1,000 to aid in the “learning recovery” of students, which can be used to cover costs such as tutoring, academic-related camps, language classes and music lessons.

Gov. Laura Kelly announced in a news release Wednesday that the Kansas Education Enrichment Program, known as KEEP, is open to applications from qualifying parents and guardians of Kansas students. KEEP provides a $1,000 award per student to pay for various educational goods and services that promote learning recovery and facilitate academic enrichment opportunities.

KEEP funds may be used on various enrichment and educational activities, including:

•Day and overnight camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics and engineering.

•Curriculum and educational materials, including certain technological devices.

•Language classes.

•Musical instruments and lessons.

•Tutoring.

The funds are not eligible for private school tuition. Eligibility for KEEP funds is determined by financial need, and funds will be distributed to actively enrolled K-12 Kansas students between the ages of 5 and 18. Students whose household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible.

Families can learn if they qualify, apply for the program, read the full handbook of rules and instructions and browse the marketplace of qualified service providers at keep.ks.gov. Program participants will have access to a web and mobile app for using their awarded funds.

KEEP is being offered through a contract between Merit International Inc. and the Kansas Office of Recovery to provide educational activities and learning opportunities to students across Kansas to promote educational learning recovery in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars approved through the SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) process.