HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania schools and eligible entities can now apply for grant funding to enhance physical security and strengthen behavioral health supports. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School Safety and Security Committee has launched two new grant solicitations aimed at improving student safety and mental health.
The Shapiro-Davis Administration has prioritized student mental health and safety across the Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro and Lt. Governor Davis have conducted roundtables at various schools, including Iroquois Junior and Senior High School in Erie County and South Fayette High School in Allegheny County, to understand students’ mental health challenges.
“I’ve listened to our kids as they’ve told me about their mental health struggles – and I’m proud that our 2024-25 bipartisan state budget includes real help for students all across Pennsylvania,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “The resources secured in this year’s budget will give students better access to mental health supports and ensure that schools can upgrade technology and security measures to protect students, staff, and visitors. My Administration will continue to bring people together to get stuff done to solve problems and address the needs I hear from folks across our Commonwealth.”
Lt. Governor Austin Davis, chair of PCCD and the School Safety and Security Committee, emphasized the importance of safety and mental health in schools. “Our kids can’t focus on learning if we aren’t meeting the basic need for safety within the walls of their schools and making sure students are in a positive mental and emotional space,” he stated. “The Shapiro-Davis 2024-25 budget shows our commitment to making sure our schools have the resources they need to keep their facilities secure from threats and provide the mental health services and support that our kids need.”
The School Safety and Security Committee has approved a funding framework to utilize nearly $120 million in state school safety funding, secured in the 2024-25 budget. This includes:
- $100 million for noncompetitive FY24-25 School Safety & Mental Health Grants to meet both physical security and behavioral health needs. Funding is distributed via formula grants to all school districts, charter schools, area career and technical centers, and intermediate units in Pennsylvania.
- $19.7 million for competitive FY24-25 Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools. These grants support programs addressing school violence and improving school safety and security. Municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and approved security vendors are also eligible to apply to support school security personnel services.
The grants aim to ensure Pennsylvania students can learn in safe, healthy environments by helping schools address basic safety needs and mental health services identified in the Committee’s Revised Baseline Criteria Standards. Public schools are required to use grant funding to address ‘Level 1’ Behavioral Health Baseline Criteria gaps. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who request funding to address Physical Security and Behavioral Health Baseline needs in competitive applications.
Information about eligibility criteria and application instructions can be found on PCCD’s School Safety and Security webpage. PCCD staff will also host informational webinars and provide resources to assist applicants.
The competitive FY 24-25 Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools solicitation will close on September 26, 2024. Noncompetitive, formula-based awards will be given on a rolling basis as applications are accepted. Competitive awards will be announced in November 2024.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.