Harrisburg, PA — Since taking office, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has prioritized addressing security gaps and improving mental health resources for students by providing nearly $275 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School Safety and Security Grant Program to Pennsylvania’s public and private K-12 schools.
“The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to helping schools create spaces where students feel protected, valued, and ready to learn. Our kids can’t focus on learning if we aren’t meeting the basic need for safety within the walls of their schools and making sure students’ mental health needs are met,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, chair of PCCD and the School Safety and Security Committee. “PCCD’s School Safety and Security grants provide more than funding—it’s about investing in the well-being of our kids and giving peace of mind to their families and school staff who are dedicated to helping them learn and grow.”
The FY 2023-24 state budget provided more than $155 million in federal and state school safety funding:
- $90 million for Noncompetitive School Mental Health Grants
- $18.6 million for Formula-Based School Safety and Security Meritorious Grants
- $32.2 million for Competitive School Safety and Security Grants
- $14.5 million for Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools
The school safety grants package in the FY 2024-25 state budget provided $120 million in funding through the following solicitations:
- $19.7 million for Competitive Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools
- $100 million for Noncompetitive School Safety & Mental Health Grants
Here’s how PCCD’s School Safety and Mental Health funding has helped Pennsylvania schools and students:
Mike Vuckovich, Windber Area School District Superintendent
“The PCCD School Safety & Security Grants have empowered the Windber Area School District to take a proactive approach to safety, focusing on the well-being of our most precious commodity—our students and staff. This funding has allowed us to implement critical safety measures, promote mental health resources, and ensure that our students and staff feel secure and supported every day. These grants also strengthen our communities by fostering a sense of security and collaboration, ensuring that our schools remain safe and welcoming spaces for all.”
Dr. Bridget O'Connell, Palisades School District Superintendent
“We are appreciative of the funding and technical support provided through PCCD. As a result of this collaboration, Palisades School District has been able to upgrade our physical plant to enhance security and expand our mental health services to include a social worker. These funds have allowed our district to focus local funding (taxpayer dollars) on educational programs and services to support academic achievement.”
Rob Heinrich, Indiana Area School District Superintendent of Schools
“The support provided by the PCCD is invaluable to providing a safe and supportive learning environment in our schools. Through this partnership, we have been able to significantly improve both preventative measures and the physical safety of our schools.”
Recent coverage of PCCD’s School Safety and Mental Health Grants:
Penn Capital-Star: Pennsylvania awards $120 million in school-based mental health and safety grants
WTAJ: Central Pennsylvania schools awarded safety, mental health grants
Indiana Gazette: PCCD approves safety, mental health grants for schools across the region
Clearfield Progress: Local nonpublic schools receive state funding for safety, mental health supports
Butler Eagle: Butler schools get safety, mental health grants
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Area schools net $3.5M in safety and mental health grant
WETM: Tioga County, Pa to receive over $430K in school safety, mental health grants
Lewistown Sentinel: Academy, others receive safety grants