Up to $25 million in federal grant funding now available for school security

School districts can now apply for resources to enhance coordination with local police, install metal detectors and other protective measures, and provide additional training to prevent student violence through the School Violence Prevention Program.

The School Violence Prevention Program’s initial application period will extend through July 30. Administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, the program was authorized under the Student, Teachers and Officers Prevention (STOP) School VIolence Act of 2018. Up to $25 million in funding is available this year.

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA), a cosponsor of the STOP School Violence Act, applauded the additional grant funding being made available to enhance school security. Barletta urged U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to issue guidance to state and local governments on applying for school security grant funds in May.

“As the father of four daughters, two of whom are teachers, and a grandfather of eight, school security is an issue that hits close to home,” Barletta said. “I’m glad the Department of Justice has followed through on my request to make these funds available and provided guidance on how to apply for them so that schools can begin to improve their security and increase their students’ safety.”

Barletta also introduced the Protecting Our Kids Act, H.R. 5990, in June. The measure would direct the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to establish security standards for schools within 60 days of enactment.