### Question
How is the "specially qualified agency" defined?


### Answer
The term **specially qualified agency** is defined in *20 U.S.C. § 7351* as follows -

> an eligible local educational agency served by a State educational agency that does not participate in a program under this subpart in a fiscal year, that may apply directly to the Secretary for a grant in such year under this subsection

#### Citation:
  - *20 U.S.C. § 7351*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 70-STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVEMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS > SUBCHAPTER VI-FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY > Part B-Rural Education Initiative > subpart 2-rural and low-income school program**

