6 Ways to Use ESSER or Title I Funds for Classroom Technology

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June 17, 2025

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Not Sure How to Spend Your ESSER or Title I Funds on Technology? You’re Not Alone — But You’re in the Right Place

If you’re a school administrator, tech coordinator, or educator staring down an expiring budget, you’ve probably found yourself asking the same urgent question:

“How do we use our ESSER or Title I funds in a way that’s effective, future-proof, and truly beneficial for our students?”

The truth? It’s not as simple as just buying more laptops or upgrading Wi-Fi. With evolving compliance rules, tight timelines, and a growing menu of tech tools, deciding how to spend federal education funding — and justifying it — can feel overwhelming.

You’re not alone. Across the country, K–12 leaders are facing pressure to:

Boost student engagement and performance
Close learning gaps caused by the pandemic
Modernize outdated classrooms and teaching tools
Support teachers with relevant tech and PD
Ensure equitable access to digital learning

And here’s the good news: ESSER and Title I funds were created to solve exactly those problems.

But to make a lasting impact, you need more than just a shopping list — you need a strategy.

That’s why we’ve created this guide: to help school leaders like you spend smarter, not faster. Whether you’re looking to modernize instruction, level the playing field, or invest in long-term student success, these six proven strategies will show you exactly how to use your ESSER or Title I funds to transform classroom technology — in a way that’s compliant, impactful, and sustainable.

Let’s dive into the best ways to invest in your students, support your staff, and make every dollar count.

What Are ESSER and Title I Funds, and Why Do They Matter for EdTech?

ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) and Title I funds are both federal funding sources designed to support student achievement, particularly in underserved communities.

ESSER funds were created in response to COVID-19 and are focused on learning recovery, student engagement, and digital equity.
Title I funds support schools with high numbers of low-income students and can be used to enhance instructional tools and reduce achievement gaps.

Both funding sources can be used to purchase classroom technology—but you have to be strategic and compliant.

1. Can We Use ESSER or Title I Funds for Interactive Displays or Smart Boards?

Yes, absolutely — and it’s one of the best investments you can make.

Upgrading to interactive whiteboards, touchscreens, or smart displays helps:

Engage visual and kinesthetic learners
Enable collaborative lessons
Support hybrid/remote instruction
Provide accessible content for all students

Pro Tip: Be sure to link the purchase to learning outcomes in your grant application—think “increased student engagement” or “technology-assisted literacy gains.”

2. Are Document Cameras and Poster Printers Allowed?

Yes — and they’re underrated tools for visual learning.

Document cameras can display student work, books, or experiments in real-time, making lessons more dynamic.
Poster printers (especially when paired with student-created content) can reinforce classroom expectations, vocabulary, math strategies, and SEL initiatives.

These tools promote visual learning, accessibility, and differentiated instruction, all of which are fund-eligible objectives.

3. Can We Spend Funds on Student Devices Like Laptops or Tablets?

Yes — but with a catch.

ESSER and Title I funds can absolutely be used for:

Chromebooks
iPads
Headphones
Assistive technology tools

Just make sure the devices are tied to academic use, not personal browsing. Also, consider bundling devices with digital curriculum tools or platforms to increase the educational impact.

🔍 Keyword tip for tech directors: Search for “Title I compliant student devices” or “ESSER-approved laptops” to find vendors who understand compliance.

4. Are Subscriptions to Learning Platforms Eligible?

Definitely — as long as they support instruction and student growth.

ESSER and Title I funds can cover:

Reading and math software (e.g., Lexia, ST Math)
STEM platforms (e.g., Tynker, BrainPOP, Gizmos)
Assessment tools (e.g., NWEA MAP, iReady)

These programs support data-driven instruction and personalized learning, which aligns perfectly with the goals of both funding sources.

5. What About Teacher Tech — Can We Upgrade Our Own Tools?

Yes, and teacher tech is often overlooked.

Allowable expenses include:

Laptops and tablets for teachers
Webcams, microphones, and stands
Learning management systems (LMS)
Professional development related to classroom tech

Investing in teacher tools improves lesson delivery and helps schools retain staff by reducing burnout.

6. Can We Use Funds for Internet Access or Wi-Fi Expansion?

Absolutely. If your students struggle with internet access, especially at home, you can use funds to:

Expand schoolwide Wi-Fi
Provide hotspots or data plans
Offer home learning kits for digital equity

This aligns with ESSER’s goal of closing the homework gap and supports Title I’s focus on equitable access to instruction.

Final Word: Don’t Let Federal Funding Go to Waste

ESSER and Title I funds are powerful levers for educational equity and innovation, but they’re also time-sensitive. Many ESSER deadlines are approaching fast — so don’t wait.

If your school or district is looking for budget-friendly, classroom-approved tech solutions like poster printers, cold laminators, or student-safe design tools, our team at Education Graphic Solutions can help you spend smarter — and stay compliant.

🧠 TL;DR Summary:

Need ideas on how to use ESSER or Title I funds for classroom technology? This guide breaks down six smart, compliant ways to invest in tools that promote learning, engagement, and equity — from devices and software to poster printers and professional development.