Find Resources to Create a Safer School
SchoolSafety.gov was created by the federal government to provide schools and districts with actionable recommendations to create safe and supportive learning environments for students and educators.
Latest News
ED Announces New Actions to Increase Access to School-Based Mental Health Services
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced new actions to increase access to school-based mental health services for children and youth. These include: (1) nearly doubling the amount of funding available for the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program and the Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grant Program in the current Fiscal Year; (2) releasing additional funding through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to improve the mental health and well-being of students and educators; and (3) providing new mental health and well-being trainings and resources for schools and educators. Read More
Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of K-12 Communities
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observation to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. Mental health and wellness are innately connected to a thriving school environment and safe, supportive learning spaces. Learn more and explore SchoolSafety.gov resources that your districts and schools can use to support the mental health of students, educators, and school staff this month and year-round. Access Resources
Federal Government Releases Sustainable and Healthy Schools Toolkit
The federal government released the 2024 White House Toolkit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 Schools, a newly updated publication that highlights how schools can use federal resources to address school infrastructure needs. The toolkit provides an overview of funding, programs, and technical assistance to support schools, teachers, and students in achieving energy efficiency, resilience to extreme weather, and cleaner air, water, and transportation. Learn More
DOJ Releases School Safety Funding Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced multiple school safety funding opportunities available through the Students, Teachers, Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Grant Program. These include the FY24 STOP School Violence Program Competitive Solicitation, which provides funding to increase school safety by implementing solutions that will improve school climate. Other funding opportunities include the School Violence Prevention Program, which provides funding to improve security at schools and on school grounds through evidence-based school safety programs and technology, and Enhancing School Capacity To Address Youth Violence, which supports targeted efforts to address youth violence through evidence-based prevention and intervention efforts in a K-12 school-based setting. Interested applicants can attend a webinar on May 9 to learn more about these funding opportunities. Explore Grants
Applications Open for Several DHS FY24 Grant Programs
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently opened several grant programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, including the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), and the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). The TVTP grant provides funding to establish or enhance capabilities to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. Among other DHS preparedness grants, the NSGP and HSGP provide funding to help organizations prepare for, prevent, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism and disasters. Visit the Grants Finder Tool to learn more about these grants and how they can be applied to strengthen school safety, enhance collaboration, and improve emergency planning and preparedness. Learn More
DHS Launches Know2Protect Public Awareness Campaign to Combat Online Child Exploitation and Abuse
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Know2Protect, Together We Can Stop Online Child ExploitationTM, a first-of-its-kind national public awareness campaign that brings together public and private sector partners. Through Know2Protect, DHS and its partners will educate and empower young people, parents, and trusted adults on ways to prevent and combat exploitation and abuse both on and offline, explain how to report incidents of these crimes, and offer support resources for victims and survivors of online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Learn More
Resource Spotlight
Enhance Student and School Safety Through Reporting Programs
Reporting programs for K-12 schools and districts can serve as vital channels for students and school community members to report concerns regarding wellness and safety. When concerns are identified, schools can facilitate early intervention and support for students in need, better address issues such as bullying and suicide risk, and in some cases, prevent potential acts of targeted violence. Download our new infographic to learn about strategies and resources to create, improve, and sustain reporting programs that can enhance school safety.
School Safety Topics
Access the following topics for resources, guidance, and information to help you create a safer school. From each of these topic pages, you can sort resources available based upon stages of preparedness and subtopics.
Upcoming Opportunities
Learn about upcoming events, grants, and other opportunities for your school or district.
Discover upcoming school safety events and grants below to help support your school’s or school district’s safety efforts.
Grants
May
17
Fiscal Year 2024 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program
Learn More
May
31
Mental Health Services Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program
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Events
May
14
School Mental Health Virtual Learning Series: Using Data to Promote Equity
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May
17
2024 Children, Youth, and Young Adult Mental Health Symposium
Learn More