MONTPELIER — Vermont is offering schools money if their student population is at least 85 percent vaccinated.
Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Education announced the School Vaccine Incentive Program, committing $2 million in federal emergency funds to schools with high vax rates.
Schools that meet this threshold will be eligible for a minimum award of $2,000 and a potential maximum of $15,000 for schools over 90 percent vaccinated.
In order to be eligible, schools must encourage student participation in how funds are spent.
“We know that vaccination is our strongest tool against Covid-19, and getting our kids vaccinated is critical for both their health and education outcomes,” said Governor Scott.
Public schools and approved and recognized independent schools are eligible.
To receive these funds schools must be able to certify that they have met a vaccination threshold and that they sought and considered student input when planning the use of these funds.
An 85 percent vaccination rate for eligible students is the minimum threshold to receive funds.
Funds will be awarded on a rolling basis through April 1, 2022.
Funds must be spent by June 30, 2022, and schools will receive $15 per student, for a minimum award of $2,000 and a maximum of $10,000.
Schools that achieve a vaccination rate of 90% may apply for an additional 50 percent of the original award, for a maximum potential award of $15,000.
