Award Notification

Over 120 LEA applications were submitted for the competitive Stronger Connections Grant with funding requests greater than 38 million to implement activities that enhance a safe and healthy learning environment. 

All regions and demographics were represented through the application submission with an award amount totaling 11 million plus.

 Click to view districts awarded the Stronger Connections Grant

Building Safe and Healthy Oklahoma School Communities

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) was awarded $11,776,526 in federal K-12 funding from the U.S. Department of Education under the BSCA Stronger Connections grant program. Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) for state educational agencies (SEAs) to provide students with safer and healthier learning environments.

The OSDE is awarding these funds through competitive grants to high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) that ensure transparency and successful implementation of activities allowable under section 4108 of the ESEA to support the ongoing needs of students, educators, families, and communities.

Guidance Document

The purpose of the guidance document is to provide Oklahoma school districts with steps and guidance to develop a grant narrative that includes a comprehensive plan to prioritize safe and healthy activities based on the needs unique to the school community (SEC. 4108 [20 U.S.C. 7118]). 

Guidance Document Includes:

• Overview of Application Process
• Stakeholder Input
• Narrative Features 
• Letter of Commitment  

Plan activities and practices should prioritize safety, create a sense of belonging, implement trauma-responsive approaches, and teach positive behaviors in order to provide safe and supportive learning environments that improve academic achievement and the well-being of students. 

 Stronger Connections Grant-Guidance Document
 

Application

Submission Deadline Has Passed