In late 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced nearly $1 billion in awards through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). In Washington, the Stronger Connections grants aim to facilitate academic success by providing students with inclusive, safe, and supportive learning opportunities and environments. Washington was awarded $15 million through this program.

Through the BSCA, state educational agencies (SEAs) must develop competitive state grant programs through which schools can create safer and healthier learning environments. The BSCA specifies that SEAs must award these funds competitively to high-need LEAs working to implement Washington school safety solutions, as determined by the state.

The Stronger Connections grant focuses on helping schools foster sustained learning, engagement, and attachment for students in Washington schools. The grant specifies that schools accomplish this by focusing on resilience, student mental health support, and improving school climate. 

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

• Meet students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being needs by implementing evidence-based strategies. 
• Create positive, inclusive, and supportive school environments.
• Improve access to place-based interventions and services.
• Collaborate with 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. 

Schools can spend Stronger Connections funding on expenses, including hiring counselors and nurses, implementing teacher training on inclusion and behavioral interventions, expanding mental health services, and other related efforts to create a positive and supportive climate in Washington 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, Washington ESSER has awarded $2,895,532,761 to the state.

For the first round of ESSER grants, Washington was allocated $216,892,447. The deadline to obligate those funds was September 30, 2022. 

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act was passed in 2020. As part of the act, Washington’s ESSER II allocation was $824,852,290, and it had to be obligated by September 30, 2023. 

An additional round of funding was made available as part of the American Rescue Plan. Washington’s portion of those ESSER funds is $1,853,788,024, and the obligation deadline is September 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 Washington 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.