# Delaware Awards Charter School Expansion Grant

The Delaware Department of Education has been awarded a **$16 million** five-year federal grant starting October 1, 2026, aimed at enhancing the quality, access, and accountability of public charter schools statewide. This funding will support competitive subgrants for charter school planning, implementation, and expansion, targeting a 10% increase in charter enrollment capacity over the grant period. Additionally, the department will invest in strengthening technical assistance, oversight, and continuous improvement practices to ensure effective use of resources and improved student outcomes.

- The grant creates procurement opportunities for educational service providers and organizations specializing in charter school development and support.
- Agencies and contractors should prepare for competitive subgrant solicitations focused on meeting documented student and community needs with an emphasis on quality and accountability.
- This initiative signals increased state-level investment in charter school infrastructure and oversight, requiring vendors to align offerings with Delaware’s strategic priorities.
- Organizations involved in educational program implementation, technical assistance, and performance monitoring may find new partnership and contract opportunities under this grant.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- Delaware Department of Education (DDOE)
- Delaware Charter Schools Network (DCSN)
- Community Funding Accelerator (CFA)

### Key Quotes
> Expanding opportunities for students cannot be about adding seats for the sake of adding seats. We have to start with what students and communities need and be equally focused on quality, strong implementation and accountability.
> — Cindy Marten, Secretary of Education

> When organizations keep children at the center of their planning and stay relentlessly focused on the outcomes we want for them, this is what happens: a shared vision for collaboration, flexibility, and support for the people and strategies best positioned to make a difference for students statewide.
> — Kendall Massett, Executive Director, Delaware Charter Schools Network

### Sources
- [Delaware awarded $16 million to strengthen charter school quality, access and accountability - State of Delaware News](https://news.delaware.gov/2026/09/18/delaware-awarded-16-million-to-strengthen-charter-school-quality-access-and-accountability/) - DE