State Education Department Announces $69.3M in Stronger Connections Grants

The New York State Education Department is proud to announce that 44 schools across New York will receive a combined total of $69.3 million in funding through the federal Stronger Connections Grant Program. The competitive grant program, authorized under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, is intended to support high-need Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in establishing safe, healthy, and supportive learning opportunities and environments, and to prevent and respond to acts of bullying, violence, and hate that impact our school communities at individual and systemic levels.

Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “When students feel secure, valued, and respected, they are more likely to actively engage in the learning process. These grants will aid in our commitment to provide high-quality education to all students, regardless of race, disability status, or economic background, by creating safe and supportive learning environments, especially in our schools with the most need.”

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Our students’ futures depend on a strong educational foundation, but that foundation is only as strong as the mental, physical, and emotional supports we can offer our students. This much-needed funding will be allocated to schools with high poverty rates and schools in rural areas that may lack critical resources due to their isolated locations. These grants will help ensure every student in New York State feels safe and supported in the classroom.”

The following schools and districts have been selected for Stronger Connections Grants:

Working with a wide variety of stakeholders, the New York State Education Department developed a “high-need LEA” definition to determine eligibility for SCG program application and funding, as required by the US Department of Education. The LEAs were selected through a competitive review process, which used the following criteria:

• A minimum of 40% of students in the LEA are eligible for free meals based on direct certification through: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid by means of the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), or through district submission of such data for students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch; and

• A minimum of 10% of the student population is chronically absent.

The process prioritized applicants that will implement comprehensive, evidence-based strategies that meet students’ social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being, and will increase access to interventions and services.

Funds will be distributed pending approval from the Office of the State Comptroller’s Office.

Further information regarding the Stronger Connections Grant Program is available here.