Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Division: Teaching and Learning

Office: Learning Equity and Academic Recovery (LEAR)

View Published NGO Document (Microsoft Word)  

Purpose: The Funding for Optimal Comprehensive Universal Screeners (FOCUS) Cohort 2 Year 2 continuation grant aims to support LEAs to adopt and implement high-quality universal literacy screeners that align with the Universal Literacy Screening Criteria as outlined in the guidance provided by the Department to meet the screening requirements in kindergarten through grade 3 (K-3) according to State law.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a twelve (12) month continuation grant program. This grant program is open to the 27 New Jersey Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that were selected through a competitive process in Year one. Please refer to Appendix A of the NGO for a list of eligible LEAs and maximum award amounts. 

Based on the availability of FY27 state appropriations, this grant program will begin October 1, 2026, and will end on September 30, 2027.

Eligible Agencies: All public LEAs that received FOCUS 2

Grant Type: Continuation

Number of Award(s) Anticipated: 27

Total Amount Available: $95,024

Application Due Date: 9/22/2026