In late 2022, the U.S. Department of Education passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), through which nearly $1 billion in awards would be distributed to America’s schools. Under this legislation, the Stronger Connections Grant Program was created. These grants aim to ensure Maryland students’ academic success by creating safe and supportive learning opportunities and environments. Maryland was awarded $16,990,815 through this program.

The BCSA empowers state educational agencies (SEAs) to develop grant programs supporting 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 specifies that awardees must foster sustained engagement, attachment, and learning for Maryland students. The Stronger Connections Grant Program mandates schools to focus on becoming more resilient, supporting mental health, and improving school climate.

According to the Department of Education, schools should invest in Stronger Connections Grant Program funding in the following efforts:

• implementing evidence-based strategies that support students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being needs 
• creating inclusive, positive, and supportive school environments
• improving accessibility of behavioral interventions and services
• involving students, families, educators, staff, and community organizations in implementing strategies to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments
• developing policies and practices responsive to underserved students that demonstrate respect for student dignity and potential

Eligible spending includes hiring counselors and nurses, increasing staff training on behavioral interventions and inclusion, increasing access to mental health services, and other related efforts to create a positive and supportive climate in Maryland 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. Maryland was awarded $3,029,144,388 in ESSER funds.

For the first round of ESSER grants, Maryland was allocated $207,834,058.

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (ESSER II) was passed in 2020. Maryland’s ESSER II allocation was $868,771,243.

An additional round of funding was made available as part of the American Rescue Plan. Maryland’s portion of those ESSER funds is approximately $1,952,539,087, and the obligation deadline is Sept. 30, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Justice oversees the COPS School Violence Prevention Program, which distributes funding for evidence-based school safety programs and technologies. School safety solutions that help identify potential dangers are eligible for COPS funding. Districts can also use funds to improve emergency notification and response systems, including Maryland 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 school safety software designed to help K-12 schools maintain a safe environment. This program’s priorities are recognizing, responding to, and preventing violence on campus. BJA will allocate $82 million to STOP School Violence Program competitive grants in fiscal year 2024.