Stronger Connections Grant awards support healthy school environments

7/17/2023

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently announced the district and community school recipients of the Stronger Connections Grant Awards. In total, 747 out of 924 eligible schools and districts applied and received a Stronger Connections Grant award. The Stronger Connections Grant is a supplement to the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment program. It aims to provide students with safer and healthier learning environments. The Ohio Department of Education awarded funds to districts and community schools based on high needs for school health and safety. Recipients may use funding for activities such as those that support student physical and mental health and safe and supportive environments. More information about the Stronger Connections Grant awards is in CCIP Note 530.

All districts and schools that applied received either a Tier 1 and Tier 2 award based on health and safety factors collected from data. These data included rates of poverty, chronic absenteeism and exclusionary discipline. All applicants received a base award. The Department awarded eligible schools and districts that demonstrated the highest need an additional Tier 3 award.

Direct questions regarding the Stronger Connections Grant to strongerconnections@education.ohio.gov.