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Stronger Connections Grant

Explanation

On June 25, 2022, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) was signed into law and a FAQ document can be found here. It is described as “an important first step toward reducing the risk of gun violence in our schools and communities”. Under Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) funding was made available to state educational agencies to provide students with safer and healthier learning environments. The Stronger Connections grant program is to be awarded to local school districts. 

Research consistently shows that safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments are associated with improved academic achievement and emotional well-being of students, as well as with reductions in disciplinary actions. Research recommends that effective, supportive learning environments have the following goals:

  1. Students experience a sense of belonging in school.
  2. Learning environments provide culturally and linguistically responsive practices.
  3. Students are surrounded by adults they can trust and who are committed to building strong relationships.
  4. Learning environments are nurturing and help students overcome challenging and traumatic experiences and provide a sense of emotional and physical safety.

Alaska’s Share

Alaska received $4,833,025 of which 95% was made available to local districts through a competitive grant process. The remaining funds stay with the Department of Education and Early Development with 1% for administration and 4% for supporting statewide efforts among school districts. In July of 2023, nine Alaska school districts received funding from this source. Funds may be spent over a three-year period. Those districts appear below:

  • Nenana City School District
  • Kuspuk School District
  • Kodiak Island School District
  • Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
  • Anchorage School District
  • Galena City School District
  • Dillingham City School District
  • Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
  • Hydaburg City School District (in partnership with Craig City School District, and Klawock City School Districts)