WASHINGTON, D.C. — Maine will receive a total of $16,958,613 through the CARES Act to create new, innovative ways to better serve K-12 students during the COVID-19 pandemic, a press release announced.

This funding will support the Maine Department of Education’s “Rethink Remote Education Venture” program to provide enhanced learning opportunities for Maine students.

With this funding, Maine will develop opportunities for educators to become “Education Engineers” to design, pilot, implement, and improve remote learning models, the release touted.

“The multi-pronged approach will include activities such as workshops in research and development, innovation engineering, and other design processes; technical assistance in the creation of innovative new remote learning models and programs; and opportunities for schools and educators to participate by piloting the remote learning models that are designed,” the release stated. “Maine also intends to leverage the existing higher education and R&D infrastructure to support educators and school leaders.”

Awarded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Rethink K-12 Education Models grant program, the State of Maine was one of 11 states selected to receive this grant out of a total of 39 applicants.

Earlier this year, it was announced Maine was awarded nearly $44 million through the CARES Act to support K-12 students. Additionally, it was announced Maine received a $9.2 million block grant to support K-12 and postsecondary education in the state.