Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced that Ohio schools can apply for a share of nearly $11 million in safety grants for the 2024-25 academic year.

Approved through House Bill 33 by the 135th General Assembly, the funding supports training, threat detection, crisis response and life-saving equipment.

Yost says, "A secure learning environment is paramount. These grants give schools resources they need to protect our children."

The grant funding will be intended to provide school leaders with flexibility in determining the best solution to improve student safety.

Eligible uses of the funding include: 

- Certification training for school resource officers.

- Active-shooter response training or equipment.

- Educational resources for all grade levels.

- Training to identify and assist students with mental-health issues. 

- School supplies or equipment related to safety or implementation of a school-safety plan.

- Systems allowing immediate camera access to responding law enforcement officers.

- Silent panic alarms.

- Gunshot-detection technology.

- License-plate reader alerts for vehicles belonging to registered sex offenders.

- Alert systems warning of wanted dangerous individuals.

- Other training related to school safety.

School leaders may apply for both a traditional per-pupil-funded grant and a larger project-based grant. 

All districts can request funding while it remains available and eligible to seek: 

- A formula-based grant of $2,500 or $4.50 per student, whichever amount is greater.

- A project-based grant up to $40,000 per district, regardless of the number of students. 

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is essential.

The deadline for submissions is May 30, 2025.

For more information about the school-safety grants, you can email [email protected].