In late 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced nearly $1 billion in awards through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). In New Mexico, the Stronger Connections grants aim to provide students with safe and supportive learning opportunities and environments critical for academic success. New Mexico was awarded $7,300,727 through this program.

Through the BSCA, Congress awarded $1 billion in funding to state educational agencies (SEAs) to develop state grant programs to give students safer and healthier learning environments. The BSCA specifies that SEAs must award these funds competitively to high-need LEAs, as determined by the state.

This grant focuses on helping schools foster sustained learning, engagement, and attachment for students in New Mexico schools. The Stronger Connections Grant Program mandates schools to accomplish this by becoming more resilient, supporting mental health, and improving school climate.

According to the Department of Education, schools should spend Stronger Connections Grant Program funds to: 

• Implement evidence-based strategies that meet students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being needs. 
• Create positive, inclusive, and supportive school environments.
• Increase access to place-based interventions and services.
• Engage students, families, educators, staff, and community organizations in selecting and implementing strategies to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. 
• Design and implement policies and practices responsive to underserved students, protecting student rights, and demonstrating respect for student dignity and potential. 

Spending that qualifies for funding could include hiring counselors and nurses, providing teacher training on inclusion and behavioral interventions, expanding mental and behavioral services, and other related efforts to create a positive and supportive climate in New Mexico schools.

As part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds were made available to address the pandemic’s impact on student safety and mental well-being. As of June 30, 2022, New Mexico ESSER has awarded $1,371,212,711 to the state.

For the first round of ESSER grants, New Mexico was allocated $97,717,307. The deadline to obligate those funds was Sept. 30, 2022. 

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act was passed in 2020. As part of the act, New Mexico’s ESSER II allocation was $392,344,774 and it had to be obligated by Sept. 30, 2023. 

An additional round of funding was made available as part of the American Rescue Plan. New Mexico’s portion of those ESSER funds is $881,150,630 and the obligation deadline is Sept. 30, 2024. 

The U.S. Department of Justice oversees the COPS School Violence Prevention Program. This program earmarks funding for evidence-based school safety programs and technology. Schools can use COPS funds to purchase school safety technology that helps identify potential dangers. Districts can also use funds to improve emergency notification and response systems.This includes New Mexico school alert systems. To learn more, visit the COPS website. 

The U.S. Department of Justice has also made funds available through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. BJA’s STOP School Violence Program funds the purchase of software that helps K-12 schools maintain a safe environment. This program is geared toward recognizing, responding to, and preventing violence on campus. Learn more here.

The list of federal grants awarded to New Mexico for the 2023-24 school year includes:

• GEER Fund – The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund allows for schools to apply for grants to fund “institutional support for activities related to personnel, payroll, security, environmental health and safety, and administrative offices.” Currently the Geer Fund allocates $32,110,531 to New Mexico.