Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet initiative is now available to Oklahoma families. Bridge the Gap is a new initiative that will connect up to 5,000 low-income Oklahoma families with $1,500 grants to purchase materials for students ahead of the 2020-21 school year.

Bridge the Gap is an initiative that will allocate $8 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund to provide Oklahoma families who fall below the federal poverty line with access to purchase technology, materials or supplies. 

“As our students face disruptions caused by COVID-19, and more schools are turning to distance learning this new school year, we must ensure all students, no matter their financial situation, have the supplies necessary to access their schoolwork,” said Gov. Stitt. “Bridge the Gap puts the power in Oklahoma families’ hands to choose what materials are most necessary to make sure their students are academically successful. This could be buying new technology, accessing online curriculum, or buying books and supplies for learning at home. We’re proud to offer this program that provides parents with the flexibility they need in order to meet the needs of their individual student.” 

Families must submit an application online in order to qualify. Families who meet the federal low-income level guidelines of less than $26,200 per year for a family of four will be given priority. 

Bridge the Gap is administered by Every Kid Counts Oklahoma (EKCO), a new education-focused organization, and EKCO will be awarding the grants to up to 5,000 Oklahoma families on a first-come, first-served basis. This effort is made possible through a partnership with ClassWallet, an online vendor that will connect Oklahoma families with more than 30 options for choosing education materials, supplies, technology and books.

The grant application is available now at everykidcountsok.org/digital-wallet. For more information about Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet, visit the website or email info@everykidcountsok.org with questions.