Federal Funding Addresses Technology and Mental Health Needs
Two federal funding opportunities will soon be available to Greater Minnesota districts to help with both technology and mental health. These funding opportunities provide great financial value in a time when it’s critically needed.
Technology to Even the Technology Playing Field
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is offering schools and libraries a share of $7.2 billion in emergency federal funding to purchase laptops, wireless hotspots, broadband connections and other technology for students and patrons on June 29. As part of the application, schools will have to certify that they’re only seeking support for devices and connections for students and staff who would otherwise lack what they need to engage in remote learning.
The Emergency Connectivity Fund’s 45-day application window runs through Aug. 13. Eligible schools and libraries may submit requests for funding “for the reasonable costs associated with eligible equipment and services” purchased between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.
Violence Prevention and Mental Health Support
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) STOP School Violence Grant program is a federal funding opportunity for states and school districts to prevent school violence and support student mental health.
As you may remember, Sandy Hook Promise helped pass this landmark piece of legislation in 2018. Grants provided through STOP help schools and districts access lifesaving programs to train their students and educators to recognize the warning signs of violence towards oneself or others and take action to prevent tragedies and save lives.
- The STOP School Violence Grant Program authorizes $74 million for FY21 grants. Grants last for a duration of three years (36 months).
- Funding may be used for anti-bullying programs, training for staff in providing support for students during mental crises, and other school safety measures.
- Eligible applicants include state governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, city of township governments, county governments, Native American tribal governments, independent school districts, private institutions of higher education, and 501(c)(3) non-profits other than institutions of higher education
- Grant applications are due Monday August 16, 2021.
For questions, join an informational webinar about this year’s STOP Grant process with David Adams, a Senior Policy Advisor with BJA on Thursday, June 17th from 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST. More information can be found here.
