Conklin: Over $900,000 secured for District 77 school security

Includes funding for safety resources, mental health supports

STATE COLLEGE, Dec. 3 – Schools in the 77th Legislative District will benefit from more than $900,000 in new funding for school security and mental health resources, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today.

Conklin said the grants – awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency from funding secured in the 2024-25 budget – include nearly $760,000 in noncompetitive grants to public schools and $148,000 in competitive grants to nonpublic schools.

“A lot goes into maintaining a strong school security plan, from policies and protocols like reporting and safety drills to resources like personnel, equipment and building modifications, to programs and supports addressing mental health,” Conklin said. “Thanks to this new funding, our schools will have the resources needed to ensure students and staff have the safety, peace of mind and supportive environment they deserve.”

Conklin said noncompetitive grants to public schools include:

  • State College Area School District – $228,146.
  • Tyrone Area School District – $131,554. 
  • Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District – $130,786.
  • Bald Eagle Area School District – $128,948.
  • Centre Learning Community Charter School – $70,000.
  • Young Scholars of Central PA Charter School – $70,000.

Competitive grants to nonpublic schools include:

  • Soaring Heights School State College – $75,000.
  • Merakey Education Center State College – $44,000.
  • Our Lady of Victory Catholic School – $29,000.

The grants are part of a total package of $120 million in school safety grants awarded through PCCD and include $100 million in Noncompetitive FY 24-25 School Safety & Mental Health Grants and nearly $20 million in Competitive FY 24-25 Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools.