The Indiana Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday it’s now accepting applications for the Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG), a matching state grant dedicated to safety initiatives at Hoosier schools. The grant application is open through July 31.
Public school corporations, accredited non-public schools, charter schools or a coalition of school corporations and/or charter schools applying jointly are eligible to apply for the matching grants of up to $100,000, based on the average daily membership of the school entity.
The 2019 legislative session expanded the projects that could be funded through the SSSG program, adding active alert warning systems to better connect schools with first responders in the area. A second important project category focused on mental health, allowing schools to develop student and parent support services programs. This addition paved the way for a 2020 initiative to require schools to enter into memorandums of understanding with mental health providers to be considered for SSSG funding in 2021 and beyond.
Governor Eric J. Holcomb worked with the 2019 legislature to double the funding available to schools, making $19 million available for a second year in a row.
The following items are eligible under the SSSG program:
- Employ a school resource officer/law enforcement officer (salary, benefits and 40-hour training course);
- Conduct a threat assessment. To remain eligible for next year’s application cycle, a school corporation will need to have a completed threat assessment;
- Purchase equipment to restrict access to the school or expedite the notification of first responders;
- Support firearms training in districts that choose to implement such programs;
- Support the implementation of a student and parent support services program;
- Fund the one-time startup costs of an active alert warning system.
To apply by the July 31 application deadline, schools must have a registered system administrator in the IntelliGrants grant management system. This process is required to obtain credentials to access the system and complete an application for SSSG funding. For more information and to begin the application process, schools can visit the IDHS Grants Management website.
Since being signed in to law in 2013, the Indiana Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) program has been a critical resource to improve school safety. The program has awarded more than $72 million in matching grants to Indiana school districts to them prepare for safety threats.
The Indiana School Safety Hub also provides schools with a wealth of resources, training opportunities and other information designed to give schools the tools they need to keep students and staff safe.