$190 Million in PA State grants available to support mental health and safety in schools

As part of Love Now Media’s continued commitment to address gun violence and our initiative  Heart of the Story: Getting to the Heart of Gun Violence with Love, we’re amplifying this opportunity for schools that are in need of funding to enhance the protection of student’s physical and mental health:

The application deadline has been extended for The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) funding under the Mental Health, School Safety and Security Program Grant Fund. Originally slated for closure on August 31, 2022 the deadline is now December 31, 2022. Made possible by the passage of Act 55 of 2022, the Mental Health, School Safety and Security Grant Program provides eligible school entities (i.e., school districts, area career and technical schools, intermediate units, charter schools, regional charter schools and cyber charter schools) with grants to both address and support mental health initiatives and physical school security enhancements. A total of $190 million has been earmarked to support this initiative via awards that will be distributed to 784 eligible applicants. 

The goal of the program is to “improve the safety and well-being of Pennsylvania’s students through investments in physical security, behavioral and mental health, and school climate approaches” throughout the duration of applicants’ specified 24-month project. Applications will be reviewed and approved by PCCD staff and once it is determined that all Tier 1 Baseline Criteria are met. If a school entity DOES NOT meet all of the criteria for physical security, the grant can be utilized to meet or satisfy it.  Some of the approved program activities and expenses include: 

• School-wide positive behavior support that includes primary or universal, secondary and tertiary supports and interventions in school entities
• School-based diversion programs
• Peer helper programs
• Classroom management
• Student codes of conduct

For more information, including approved mental health-related activities and programs, and to submit an application via the Egrants System an official PDF document can be accessed here. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on Saturday, December 31, 2022.

If school entities have questions concerning the application process, please contact the Egrants Help Desk at either (717) 787-5887 or call toll-free at (800) 692-7292 and select option 9 and then option 6 when prompted. You can also email at RA-egrantssupport@pa.gov.