How ELOP Funding Works: What Schools Need to Know

As expanded learning becomes a growing part of California’s education landscape, many school leaders, educators, and providers are asking: how does ELOP funding actually work? Whether you’re planning programs or partnering with a community-based organization, understanding the basics of ELOP funding is key to making it sustainable and impactful.

In this post, we’ll break down where ELOP funding comes from, what it can be used for, and how long it’s expected to last.

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What Is ELOP Funding?

ELOP stands for Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, a California initiative that provides state funding to school districts and charter schools to offer before-school, after-school, and summer programming for TK–6 students.

The funding comes directly from the California Department of Education (CDE) and is distributed to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) based on their total enrollment in TK–6 and the number of unduplicated pupils (students who are low-income, English learners, or foster youth).

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What Can ELOP Funds Be Used For?

ELOP funds are meant to expand access to high-quality, student-centered learning outside of regular school hours. That means districts can use the funding for a wide variety of services and supports — as long as they align with the program’s goals.

Here are some common (and allowable) uses of ELOP funding:

Staffing

• Paying site coordinators, educators, and support staff
• Contracting with enrichment providers or CBOs
• Professional development for program leaders

Programming & Curriculum

• STEM, arts, SEL, and academic enrichment programs
• Hands-on learning experiences that align with NGSS or other standards
• Field trips or guest facilitators that extend learning

Supplies & Materials

• Curriculum kits, lab supplies, or classroom equipment
• Art, robotics, or science materials for student use

Facilities & Operations

• Extended use of school sites after hours
• Cleaning, utilities, or maintenance associated with program hours

Transportation & Meals

• Busing students to/from programs (where feasible)
• Snacks or meals as required by program guidelines

The CDE encourages districts to be strategic in how they use ELOP funds — blending them with other state or federal dollars when needed, and prioritizing programming that supports whole-child development.

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How Long Will ELOP Funding Last?

ELOP was originally funded through Assembly Bill (AB) 130, passed in 2021, and is now a permanent part of California’s education budget — not a one-time grant.

As of the current budget cycle, ELOP continues to be an ongoing source of funding for qualifying LEAs, with allocations adjusted annually based on:

• TK–6 enrollment
• Unduplicated pupil counts
• Available state funding

While some funding streams can change with political or budgetary shifts, ELOP is now considered a long-term investment in expanded learning — especially in districts serving high-need student populations.

That said, districts must continue to:

• Submit a board-approved ELOP plan
• Ensure their programs meet compliance (3 hours/day during the school year, 9 hours/day for 30 non-school days)
• Track spending and outcomes

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How Can Schools Maximize ELOP Funding?

To get the most out of their allocation, schools should focus on:

• Strategic planning: Match programming to student needs and interests
• Partnerships: Work with community-based organizations that specialize in enrichment, STEM, arts, or SEL
• Efficiency: Share resources across sites, bundle services, and invest in scalable programming
• Data: Track participation, outcomes, and student engagement to improve programs year over year

When used thoughtfully, ELOP funding can directly support programs that deliver meaningful outcomes for students—especially when aligned with the core benefits of ELOP.

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How to Use ELOP Funding to Support STEM Education

All Things Science partners with California schools to bring weekly, hands-on STEM programs directly to campus. We provide NGSS-aligned curriculum, all materials, and trained instructors — making it easy to add engaging, high-quality STEM enrichment to your ELOP schedule without adding to your team’s workload.

Learn how All Things Science can help bring STEM to your school →