Pennsylvania officials have announced a total of $175 million will be available through two grant programs to help schools make facility upgrades and environmental repairs.
Recognizing that students cannot learn, grow, and thrive without access to safe and healthy school facilities, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced $75 million in funding through the Public School Environmental Repairs Grant Program.
Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin said, “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.”
PDE will accept applications from May 1 through June 30. Schools may apply for funding to abate or remediate environmental hazards including, but not limited to, lead in water sources, asbestos, and mold inside school buildings.
Furthermore, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved guidelines for the new $100 million Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program.
DCED will accept applications from March 1 through May 31. Eligible improvement projects include, but are not limited to, roof repairs and roof replacement; installation of HVAC equipment; installation of boilers; safety projects including lead and asbestos abatement; accessibility projects; and window repairs/replacement. The CFA will administer the program and offer grants of up to $5 million to eligible projects.
Funding for both grant programs was allocated in the 2023-24 state budget. In January, Pennsylvania also opened applications for $155 million in school safety and security grants, including $90 million in new investments for mental health counselors and resources.