Pennsylvania schools face growing security challenges while managing limited budgets. Fortunately, the state offers several robust funding programs to help educational institutions enhance security measures without straining operational resources. Let's explore the key funding options available for Pennsylvania schools in 2025.
Read the Complete Guide: The Future of School Security in the Modern Era
Read the Complete Guide: The Future of School Security in the Modern Era
Pennsylvania's School Safety Grant Programs
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) administers the state's primary school safety grant programs, with nearly $120 million allocated in the 2024-25 budget. This significant investment demonstrates Pennsylvania's commitment to creating safer learning environments through comprehensive security solutions.
For 2025, Pennsylvania schools can apply for two main types of safety grants through PCCD:
- Physical Security Enhancement Grants - Support for security infrastructure improvements
- Behavioral Health Support Grants - Funding for mental health programs and resources
Public schools applying for these grants must address 'Level 1' Behavioral Health Baseline Criteria gaps, with priority given to applications that target both physical security and behavioral health needs. This integrated approach recognizes that comprehensive school safety requires both technological solutions and strong mental health support systems.
The application process for these grants typically follows the state's fiscal year calendar, with deadlines in September. For the 2025-26 funding cycle, schools should monitor the PCCD's School Safety and Security webpage for updated application announcements, expected in summer 2025.
Targeted Grants for Nonpublic Schools
Pennsylvania also offers targeted safety grants specifically for nonpublic schools. The FY 24-25 Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools program provides funding for private educational institutions to enhance their security measures.
These grants can support various security enhancements, including:
- Video surveillance systems
- Access control measures
- Emergency notification technologies
- Communication systems for coordinated response
- Training programs for staff and security personnel
The application period for these grants typically closes in late September, with similar timing expected for the 2025-26 funding cycle. Nonpublic schools should prepare applications that clearly demonstrate specific security needs and implementation plans.
Read the Case Study: How a Public High School Transformed School Security
Federal Funding for Pennsylvania School Security
Beyond state-specific programs, Pennsylvania schools have access to several federal funding streams that support comprehensive security enhancements.
Stronger Connections Grant Program
Pennsylvania received $41,754,741 through the Stronger Connections Grant Program, part of the Bipartisan Safety Communities Act. This substantial federal investment specifically supports schools in establishing safer learning environments through technology and infrastructure improvements.
Schools can use these funds for various security enhancements, including:
- AI-powered surveillance systems
- Emergency response technologies
- Access control solutions
- Communication infrastructure for crisis management
- Training programs for staff and security personnel
COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)
The COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program directly funds states and local governments to improve school security through evidence-based programs and technology. This federal program specifically supports:
- Coordination with law enforcement agencies
- Training for law enforcement officers
- Installation of deterrent measures
- Technology for expedited emergency notification
- Other measures that significantly improve security
Pennsylvania schools have successfully leveraged this program for security enhancements in recent years. Applications typically open in early spring, with award announcements in summer.
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) STOP School Violence Program
The BJA STOP School Violence Program funds initiatives to prevent violence in K-12 settings. Eligible activities include:
- Development of school threat assessment teams
- Implementation of anonymous reporting systems
- Coordination with local law enforcement
- School safety technology implementation
- Training for school personnel and students
This program represents another significant federal funding opportunity for Pennsylvania schools seeking to enhance their security measures. The program particularly values technologies that provide early warning capabilities and enable rapid response when seconds matter most.
Approved School Police Officer Vendors
Pennsylvania maintains a list of approved School Police Officer vendors that schools can contract with using grant funding. These approved vendors include:
- Armstrong Security and Investigations
- Cardinal Point Homeland Security Group
- CORE Security of Crawford County
- Information Network Associates, Inc.
- US Security Care, Inc.
Working with approved vendors ensures that security personnel meet the state's standards for school safety professionals. Schools applying for security personnel funding should consult the full list of approved vendors available through the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office for Safe Schools.
Secure Pennsylvania's Schools with VOLT
At VOLT, we understand the unique security challenges facing Pennsylvania schools and the importance of maximizing available funding. Our AI-powered security systems provide real-time monitoring, threat detection, and emergency response coordination—all designed to work within your existing infrastructure and budget constraints.
Schedule a demo with VOLT today and discover how our intelligent security solutions can enhance your school's safety while maximizing your grant funding potential.
