31 Million Awarded to 19 School Districts to Promote Safe Schools, Healthy Students
US Education Department:
More than $31 million in grants have been awarded to 19 school districts in 14 states as part of a joint effort by the U.S. departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice to support schools in creating safe learning environments that promote healthy childhood development and prevent youth violence and drug use.
The highly competitive grant program, known as the Safe School/Healthy Students Initiative, attracted 485 applications nationally.
Under the initiative, school districts in partnership with local law enforcement, juvenile justice and mental health agencies implement a comprehensive plan focused on six elements including safe school environments, mental health treatment services, and early childhood emotional development programs.
Successful applicants proposed plans that addressed those issues with a thoughtful, well-coordinated strategy that linked existing and new services in a more systematic and effective manner.
"This is a down payment on America's future by supporting local efforts to foster safe, supportive and healthy environments in which our young people can thrive," said U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.
"These grants will provide students with enhanced access to services and programs that will help them make the most of their education potential."
Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Regina B. Schofield said, "Stable learning environments promote scholarship, citizenship and service to the community.
We are pleased to help support the Safe Schools, Healthy Students initiative which leads our youth into productive futures by giving them and their families the foundation and tools they need to advance confidently and positively into adulthood."
Charles Curie, administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), said, "We know that Safe Schools Healthy Children is a program that works.
