Gracie WarhurstPennsylvania is making $175 million available to aid school districts, career and technical centers (CTCs) and charter schools improve safety conditions.
The funds come from two programs: the Department of Education’s (PDE) Public School Environmental Repairs Grant Program and the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Public School Facility Grant Program.
“Preparing and nurturing the next generation of successful Pennsylvanians starts with making sure all students have a safe, healthy environment to learn in,” PDE Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin said in a statement. “These grants help school districts make necessary upgrades and repairs to their buildings and learning spaces to ensure that our students and school staff have safe air to breathe, water to drink, and classrooms to learn in.”
The PDE is providing $75 million for districts to combat environmental safety hazards in schools, such as lead in water and paint, asbestos and mold. Applications are open from May 1 through June 30, 2024, for any eligible expenses incurred since July 1, 2023.
The DCED has allocated $100 million in grants for HVAC unit upgrades, window replacement, roof repairs, lead and asbestos abatement and other improvements for public schools and CTCs.
DCED will accept applications for grants up to $5 million from March 1 through May 31, 2024.
