WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $16,990,815 in federal funding for Maryland schools to foster safer and more supportive learning environments that address the evolving social, emotional, physical, and mental health needs of students. The funding is administered through the U.S. Department of Education’s Stronger Connection’s Grant Program, which was authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s historic public safety legislation that the lawmakers all fought to pass in order to reduce the threat of violence across the country. 

“Today’s young people face unprecedented challenges, pressures, and potential threats that can negatively affect their ability to learn. We were proud to ensure enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which will not only make our schools safer, but also support each of our students through their growth and development. These funds will help strengthen our school safety programs and better protect our youngest minds, helping to maximize their potential for a thriving future,” said the lawmakers. 

The Stronger Connections grants are designed to fund programs and resources that prevent and help students cope with violence, trauma and bullying. The funds will also allow schools to engage their communities to develop best practices for creating the safest, most inclusive environment unique to their needs. The Maryland State Department of Education will distribute the funding to local school districts in Maryland on a competitive basis to high-need districts.