TOPEKA – As Kansas students prepare to head back to school this month, Governor Laura Kelly announced that families in all 105 counties across Kansas have applied for the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP). She is encouraging more qualifying parents and guardians to take advantage of the one-time award of $1,000 per child to cover educational goods and services, including school supplies, tutoring, music lessons, and academic camps.
“The KEEP program is providing Kansas families the support they need to encourage their child’s learning over the summer and long after, whether that’s through new books, tutoring, or school supplies,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all who qualify to join the other families who have applied and to take advantage of this resource.”
In June, Governor Kelly expanded eligibility for KEEP to students with household incomes of less than 300% of federal poverty guidelines. The Kansas Office of Recovery partners with Merit to implement KEEP.
“As students head back to school, Merit is pleased to help facilitate the diverse and enriching educational experiences Kansas children will receive through KEEP,” said Tomer Kagan, CEO, Merit. “Merit’s online education marketplace connects parents and guardians with educational goods and services provided by approved service providers.”
Parents can spend their student’s program funds on a variety of academic enrichment opportunities such as:
• The purchase of curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices • Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
• Tutoring
• Language classes
• Musical instruments and lessons
The funds are not eligible for private school tuition.
Students in a current foster care placement are also eligible regardless of household income. More information on how families can apply for and receive funds is available on the KEEP program website: www.keep.ks.gov.
