School Safety Enhancement

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education and the Secretary of Education, is seeking applications for the School Safety Enhancement program, a competitive grant for State educational agencies to strengthen statewide school safety systems and the physical security of schools. The program supports activities tied to improving school safety systems and physical security, with priorities shaped by the findings of the Critical Incident Review of the Robb Elementary School shooting. Awards are for up to 36 months, with a competitive preference for rural applicants, and grant funds may not be used for construction, renovation, or repair of facilities; administrative costs are capped at 10%. The competition includes $93,000,000 in funding, an estimated 30 awards of $500,000 to $5,000,000 each, and applications are due July 28, 2026, with program questions directed to school.safety@ed.gov.