Pittsburgh, PA − February 26, 2020 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams announced that ten school districts within Senate District 38 have received grant funding through the School Safety and Security Grant Program totaling $1,826,315. Additionally, three community-based organizations have been awarded grant funding totaling $857,364 through the Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Initiative for projects throughout Allegheny County.
“I’m glad to see local schools receiving support from the State in their efforts to keep our students safe,” said Senator Williams. “This grant funding will help our schools implement research-based violence prevention programs and trauma-informed approaches to education, as well as install equipment needed to improve the security of facilities.”
“The Community Violence Prevention/Reduction grant awardees work in partnership with local schools to improve students’ social and emotional skills with the goal of increasing graduation rates and healthy relationships and decreasing dating violence, school violence, and other risky and aggressive behaviors. Helping students learn how to navigate relationships with their peers and the adults in their lives will show positive effects not only in their immediate school environment, but throughout their lives,” said Senator Williams.
Act 44 of 2018 created a School Safety and Security Fund for the purposes of providing funding to school districts for school safety and security concerns and addressing community violence. Today, $60 million was distributed for school safety, including $7.5 million for community anti-violence programs.
Funds can be used for a wide variety of items, based on the needs of the entity. These uses can include the purchase of equipment, trainings, programs, counseling services, planning, screenings, and to secure behavioral health care professionals and support.
The School Safety and Security Grant Program awardees in District 38 are:
- Allegheny Valley School District, $112,473
- Pittsburgh School District, $929,578
- Highlands School District, $484,264
- Deer Lakes School District, $35,000
- Fox Chapel Area School District, $45,000
- Hampton Township School District, $40,000
- North Allegheny School District, $45,000
- North Hills School District, $45,000
- Pine-Richland School District, $45,000
- Shaler Area School District, $45,000
The Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Initiative awardees are:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, $267,423
- Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, $298,881
- Family Guidance, Inc., $291,060
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